A new creative force moves with quiet intention. She commands the runway for Versace and directs cinematic projects for the Los Angeles Lakers. Her work blends high fashion with heartfelt storytelling.
This young woman entered the world on January 19, 2003. She is the eldest daughter of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant. From an early age, she observed a masterclass in dedication and craft.
Her father’s transition from athlete to storyteller left a deep impression. The values of the “Mamba Mentality”—relentless pursuit of a craft—became part of her foundation. This mindset would later shape her own ambitious path.
A profound family tragedy in 2020 reshaped her world at seventeen. She faced immense grief while supporting her mother and younger sisters. That experience forged a resilience evident in her career choices.
She signed with IMG Models at eighteen. She graduated with honors from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Her creative direction for the Lakers’ “Forever Iconic” video featured stars like Shohei Ohtani and Magic Johnson.
Her life now operates on multiple tracks. She is a model, a filmmaker, and an intern at Parkwood Entertainment. She carries forward a powerful legacy while building one entirely her own.
Early Life and Family Heritage
The nickname “Slim” followed her from childhood, a tender reminder of her father’s affection. He called her this because she was “so eency-teency” growing up. All her jerseys said Slim until she grew into them.
Family Background and Kobe Bryant’s Legacy
She grew up as the eldest in a household where basketball excellence met storytelling ambition. Her father transitioned from court dominance to creative projects while maintaining his philosophy that the job’s never done. This family environment shaped her early years.
The family expanded with three sisters, creating a close-knit sisterhood. Her father celebrated raising daughters publicly, insisting it took a king to make a princess. He often spoke of his “little princesses” with evident pride.
| Family Member | Relationship | Birth Year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobe Bryant | Father | 1978 | NBA legend and storyteller |
| Vanessa Bryant | Mother | 1982 | Entrepreneur and philanthropist |
| Gianna Bryant | Sister | 2006 | Shared passion for basketball |
| Bianka Bryant | Sister | 2016 | Youngest sister |
| Capri Bryant | Sister | 2019 | Youngest family member |
Childhood Influences and Personal Growth
January 26, 2020, split her life into before and after. The helicopter crash that killed her father and thirteen-year-old sister forced her to become both grieving daughter and pillar of strength. She was just seventeen.
She navigated senior year, college applications, and a new modeling contract while processing profound loss. Her mother recognized her as “my right-hand woman” who balanced grief with caretaking for her younger sisters. This experience forged remarkable resilience.
She works to preserve memories for her youngest sisters, who were too young to fully absorb their presence. She tries to “remember to live out every day the way they would” while creating space for her own path forward.
Educational Journey and Modeling Beginnings
Her journey into higher education and high fashion began almost simultaneously. This dual path required a level of discipline learned from a young age.
USC and Academic Milestones
She enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2021. She was the first in her family to attend college.
Choosing the School of Cinematic Arts honored her father’s post-basketball passion for storytelling through film. She graduated cum laude in 2025.
Her graduation stole carried a powerful symbol. It featured Kobe’s “Sheath” logo, a mark from his post-retirement creative brand.
This detail connected her academic success to her family’s legacy of craft.
Early Modeling Contracts and Influences
At eighteen, she signed with IMG Models, fulfilling a childhood dream. She had always held a deep love for the fashion industry.
Her runway debut came at the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week. Donatella Versace created a welcoming environment, easing the pressure of the moment.
Balancing a full course load at the University of Southern California with modeling was challenging. She credits her support team of family and friends for making it possible.
This balance proved her commitment to building a multifaceted career in Southern California and beyond.
Natalia Bryant: Balancing Modeling, Education, and Legacy
A custom Dodgers jersey, embroidered with two iconic numbers, became a statement of enduring connection. This visual power defines her approach to a multifaceted career in Los Angeles.
Embracing the Mamba Mentality in Life and Work
She wears a necklace inscribed with her dad’s words daily. “Dedication makes dreams come true” is more than a quote. It is a personal compass.
This mindset pushes her to pull confidence together, even when scared. She relies on her support team to push through discomfort. The job, she insists, is never done.
Her main goal is to be the best version of herself. She focuses on continuous learning because there is no finish line in life.
High-Profile Collaborations and Fashion Show Debut
Her role as creative director for the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Forever Iconic” video was a significant honor. She blended nostalgia with current star power seamlessly.
The project featured legends like Magic Johnson and modern icons like Shohei Ohtani. An Instagram post captured her pride in the Lakers family forever.
This work ran parallel to an internship with Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment. She gained insight into building visual narratives on a global scale as part of the tour team.
A Nike commercial and a first pitch at a Dodgers game further cemented her presence. Each step honors a legacy while building a new path in film and fashion.
Honoring a Legacy While Embracing Future Aspirations
The lessons from her father are not a burden but a compass. At his handprint ceremony, she called being his daughter one of life’s greatest joys. She commits to living by the values he taught.
Her high school graduation cap bore his words about rising to challenges. This public declaration showed her mindset. She meets expectation with the same focus he brought to his craft.
She finds joy in talking about her dad, preserving his memory for her younger sisters. Her mother taught her that true beauty and confidence come from within. This family foundation shapes her moral compass.
Her college graduation in film marked a milestone. It fulfilled a creative dream her father held dear. A strong support team of friends and mentors cheered her on.
Natalia Bryant moves forward, building a legacy that honors the past while firmly carving its own path. Her work in fashion and film continues this story.
