Kobe Bryants Daughter Natalia Shows Up at the US Open Blue Carpet in a Chic Look That Has Fans Comparing Her to Her Father and an Unexpected star

| September 9, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

At just 23 years old, Natalia Bryant has carved out her own identity, drawing attention from fans who are commenting on her transformation and making surprising comparisons.

On September 8, Natalia, the oldest daughter of Vanessa Bryant and the late Kobe Bryant, attended the 2026 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.

Natalia shared her US Open experience on Instagram, where she posed for photos on the event’s blue carpet outside the venue before entering to enjoy the match.

The young model sported a refined outfit for the tennis event, donning a pale yellow belted jacket over a matching top, accompanied by wide-leg blue jeans and strappy sandals.

Although her outfit was relatively simple, Natalia’s tall stature, confident demeanor, and graceful posture made her stand out. While the focus was meant to be on tennis, it quickly shifted to Natalia herself.

One observer remarked, ‘She got taller & slimmed down, looks just like her dad 🙏🏽 but also resembles her mom.’ Another fan went further, stating, ‘Hear me out… she looks like a black Ivanka Trump. Beautiful!’ This sentiment was echoed by another commenter who exclaimed, ‘Really, she looks like Ivanka Trump.’

On the other hand, many fans felt there was no doubt about which Bryant parent Natalia resembled as she made her way down the carpet. One fan said, ‘Simply beautiful, walking like her DAD 💔,’ while another noted, ‘She walks just like her dad.’ A third admirer affectionately commented, ‘Walking like papa 😌😌🥹.’

Her impressive height was a topic of discussion, with one user declaring, ‘She’s super tall. Runway material 😍😍😍😍😍😍.’ An additional comment on video of her arrival highlighted her beauty and modeling potential, stating, ‘Sooo pretty. The shirt dress is so in!! Looking like a model [sic].’

These reactions are especially relevant considering that Natalia has been dedicated to modeling for several years. In February 2021, when she was 18, it was reported that she signed with IMG Models, which aimed to help her grow her profile through editorial work and brand collaborations in fashion and beauty.

Natalia expressed, ‘I have always been interested in fashion since a very young age,’ and added, ‘I love the industry, and I’ve wanted to model for as long as I can remember.’ She recognized the learning curve ahead but viewed this as an opportunity to explore her creativity and express herself in the fashion realm.

Maja Chiesi, senior vice president at IMG Models, praised Natalia’s beauty, talent, and ambition, stating that the agency believed she had ‘such a bright future ahead of her.’

Since then, Natalia’s career has gained significant visibility. Sports Illustrated noted in February 2026 that her modeling endeavors had flourished in fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and New York, while she has also pursued filmmaking.

She graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in film in spring 2025, promptly applying her education by working on a Kobe sneaker commercial featuring New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson.

Additionally, she took on the role of producer for a Lakers hype video that included baseball star Shohei Ohtani, establishing a career path in both the creative fields of fashion and film. Her modeling credits include campaigns for Bulgari and Victoria’s Secret Pink, alongside appearances at significant fashion events.

Natalia is also a board member of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which aims to create positive opportunities for underprivileged athletes. A landmark moment in her runway journey occurred in September 2023 when she made her debut for Versace at Milan Fashion Week.

Dressed in a striking black dress with angular shoulders, silver chrome ballet flats, and a sleek black leather handbag, her mother watched proudly from the front row. Natalia later shared her excitement on Instagram, stating, ‘VERSACE!! Grazie Mille!! It still feels like a dream. I am beyond honored and grateful.’

Vanessa responded with her own proud sentiments, writing, ‘I’m so proud of you, baby! Congratulations!!!’ She later added, ‘You did it, mama!!!!’ Natalia’s journey in fashion is closely intertwined with her passion for storytelling.

While studying film, Natalia developed a keen interest in filmmaking, drawing inspiration from directors such as Sofia Coppola and Greta Gerwig, particularly regarding narratives about girlhood and coming-of-age. This creative pursuit has allowed her to create a unique path that spans both fashion and film.

Vanessa has expressed her pride in Natalia’s approach to her aspirations, stating, ‘Natalia has always been able to achieve anything she sets her mind to.’ She added, ‘I’m incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and impressed by the kind, intelligent, and beautiful young woman she has become.’

As Natalia pursues her own ambitions, she continues to honor her family legacy, including her late father and sister Gianna. In September 2023, she threw the first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers Lakers Night game dedicated to Kobe Bryant, linking her evolving adulthood to her family’s history.

Small details also reflect her fashion evolution. Before adopting the long hair she has showcased in more recent events, Natalia was recognized for her sleek black bob, which framed her face in a shorter, polished manner.

At the Revolve Festival, she revealed her longer black hair styled in a half ponytail, the rest cascading over her shoulders. This new look was paired with a mini denim skirt, a belt, a tucked-in sweater that read ‘GIRL,’ black ankle boots, and white socks, finished off with rings, bangles, and necklaces.

This transformation—from her youthful bob to longer hair, notable runway shows, and increasingly refined public appearances—might explain why so many fans have remarked on how different Natalia looks today. Check out the photos below.

2003

Vanessa Bryant cradles her young daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant, as they watch the Los Angeles Lakers face the Houston Rockets at Staples Center, with Natalia dressed warmly in a red outfit and matching hair accessory.
Vanessa Bryant cradles her young daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant, as they watch the Los Angeles Lakers face the Houston Rockets at Staples Center, with Natalia dressed warmly in a red outfit and matching hair accessory.

2004

Vanessa Bryant smiles brightly while holding her daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant, who wears a pink winter outfit and a sparkling tiara for “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” DVD Pajama Party at the Beverly Hilton.
Vanessa Bryant smiles brightly while holding her daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant, who wears a pink winter outfit and a sparkling tiara for “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” DVD Pajama Party at the Beverly Hilton.

2007

Kobe Bryant poses alongside wife Vanessa Bryant and their daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant, at the Disneyland premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End,” with the family gathered on the red carpet for the special event.
Kobe Bryant poses alongside wife Vanessa Bryant and their daughter, Natalia Diamante Bryant, at the Disneyland premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” with the family gathered on the red carpet for the special event.

2010

Kobe Bryant shares a joyful moment with daughters Natalia Diamante Bryant and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant during the postgame news conference after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the NBA Finals.
Kobe Bryant shares a joyful moment with daughters Natalia Diamante Bryant and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant during the postgame news conference after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the NBA Finals.

2016

Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Laine Bryant pose with daughters Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards, with the family dressed for the colorful event.
Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Laine Bryant pose with daughters Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards, with the family dressed for the colorful event.

2017

Vanessa Laine Bryant and Kobe Bryant stand with daughters Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant at the Tribeca Film Festival event celebrating Kobe’s storytelling work, with the family smiling together on the red carpet.
Vanessa Laine Bryant and Kobe Bryant stand with daughters Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant at the Tribeca Film Festival event celebrating Kobe’s storytelling work, with the family smiling together on the red carpet.

2018

Vanessa Laine Bryant and Kobe Bryant arrive with daughters Natalia Diamante Bryant and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant at the premiere of Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” where the family poses together against the event backdrop.
Vanessa Laine Bryant and Kobe Bryant arrive with daughters Natalia Diamante Bryant and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant at the premiere of Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” where the family poses together against the event backdrop.

2021

Natalia Bryant makes a stylish Met Gala debut in New York, wearing an elegant ensemble and posing confidently on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Natalia Bryant makes a stylish Met Gala debut in New York, wearing an elegant ensemble and posing confidently on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2022

Vanessa Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant pose together at the Baby2Baby 10-Year Gala, with Natalia standing tall beside her mother in a striking pink gown with an oversized sculptural detail.
Vanessa Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant pose together at the Baby2Baby 10-Year Gala, with Natalia standing tall beside her mother in a striking pink gown with an oversized sculptural detail.
Natalia Bryant poses at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, showcasing a glamorous black evening look and a polished red-carpet presence.
Natalia Bryant poses at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, showcasing a glamorous black evening look and a polished red-carpet presence.
Natalia Bryant arrives at the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party in Beverly Hills, smiling for photographers in an elegant black gown with dramatic sleeves.
Natalia Bryant arrives at the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party in Beverly Hills, smiling for photographers in an elegant black gown with dramatic sleeves.
Natalia Diamante Bryant smiles while holding a baseball before throwing the ceremonial first pitch ahead of a game between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers on “Lakers Night” at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Natalia Diamante Bryant smiles while holding a baseball before throwing the ceremonial first pitch ahead of a game between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers on “Lakers Night” at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

2025

Natalia Bryant poses at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, wearing a sophisticated black dress and smiling confidently for photographers.
Natalia Bryant poses at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, wearing a sophisticated black dress and smiling confidently for photographers.
Natalia Bryant poses at the 2026 US Open in New York, wearing a pale-yellow ensemble with a statement collar and layered necklaces as she embraces a polished, fashion-forward look.
Natalia Bryant poses at the 2026 US Open in New York, wearing a pale-yellow ensemble with a statement collar and layered necklaces as she embraces a polished, fashion-forward look.
Natalia Bryant arrives on the blue carpet during Day Ten of the 2026 US Open, wearing her pale-yellow jacket with wide-leg jeans and a gold-toned shoulder bag as she smiles toward photographers.
Natalia Bryant arrives on the blue carpet during Day Ten of the 2026 US Open, wearing her pale-yellow jacket with wide-leg jeans and a gold-toned shoulder bag as she smiles toward photographers.
Natalia Bryant turns toward the cameras on the US Open blue carpet, revealing the full silhouette of her pale-yellow jacket, wide-leg jeans, strappy sandals, and gold-toned bag.
Natalia Bryant turns toward the cameras on the US Open blue carpet, revealing the full silhouette of her pale-yellow jacket, wide-leg jeans, strappy sandals, and gold-toned bag.