Blending Legacy and Identity in Tribute to Dad, Kobe Bryant’s Eldest Credits Vanessa Bryant for Style Inspiration

The world broke down with the shattering loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant in a tragic 2020 helicopter crash. It seemed like the end. However, Vanessa Bryant has shown incredible strength, rebuilding her life and keeping Kobe and Gianna’s legacies alive.

All that while raising her daughters, Bianka, Capri, and Natalia. Through her unwavering support Natalia, their eldest, has even carved a path in modeling and fashion, all while paying tribute to her father.

Recently, Natalia Bryant graduated

cum laude from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. It was a huge win for her and an emotional moment for the Bryant family. What’s more, Jeanie Buss, the Lakers owner herself, handed Natalia her diploma.

But she’s not just acing it in the classroom. With her mom’s unwavering support, she’s been building her path in fashion, too.

Since signing with IMG Models back in 2021, she’s been slaying runways, landing major campaigns, and nailing interviews.

Vanessa Bryant is not just her daughter’s fashion supporter, but her fashion inspiration too. In a

heartfelt revelation with Vmagazine, Natalia said it herself.“Growing up, my style inspiration was my mom because she has such a natural ability to put together outfits and really has an eye for fashion,”.

This statement highlights how Vanessa’s effortless sense of style left a lasting impression on Natalia from a young age. Not just through what she wore, but through the confidence and grace with which she carried herself.

She even said,

“Watching her get ready for events or even day-to-day life, she showed me how much individuality and confidence goes into one’s personal style.” 

Vanessa taught Natalia young. True style is a reflection of self-expression, shaped by inner strength and personal story. Natalia credits Vanessa Bryant for everything she is, at every moment she gets. However, she never leaves her father’s legacy behind as well.

Like she did it on her big day, during the graduation ceremony. Natalia honored Kobe Bryant’s legacy in a very special way. She wore a sash with Kobe’s legendary Nike sheath logo right over her heart. That iconic symbol, which dropped back in 2005, has become

the signature of his brand, stamped on everything from sneakers to merch.

Inspired by the sleek, powerful lines of samurai swords, the design totally embodied Kobe’s mindset: razor-sharp focus and relentless discipline. And there it was, resting close to her heart.

Vanessa Bryant Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation From USC

Watching your child walk across the graduation stage is one of the proudest moments for a parent. But for Vanessa Bryant, the moment carried even deeper weight.

Her eldest daughter graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California without her father and younger sister by her side. Yet, Vanessa turned the day into a radiant celebration in true Bryant family spirit.

Natalia, now a professional model and USC alum, shared a picture.  In it, she was in her cardinal-and-gold honors regalia, with a simple caption stating “25 ❤️🎓”.

The caption was a nod to her graduation year. Vanessa’s comment overflowed with pride: “We’re so proud of you @nataliabryant,” she wrote, punctuating the message with USC hashtags and heart emojis.

The word “we” spoke volumes, a quiet acknowledgment of Kobe and Gigi’s everlasting presence and all their well-wishers. The outpouring of support for Natalia stretched far beyond her family, with stars like Michael B. Jordan, Ciara, and Jennifer Garner flooding her comments with applause.

But the day’s joy was undeniably bittersweet, arriving just five years after the helicopter crash that claimed Kobe, Gianna, and seven others.

Vanessa, who has been through unimaginable grief with grace, ensured the focus remained on Natalia’s triumph. As Jordan aptly cheered in his comment: “The world is yours.”

And for Natalia, stepping into that world with a degree in hand, it’s clear she’s carrying her father’s ambition, her sister’s light, and her mother’s resilience forward.