Kobe Bryant's Daughter Natalia Attends the US Open Blue Carpet in a Chic Look That Has Fans Comparing Her to Her Father and an Unexpected Celebrity — Photos

At 23, Natalia Bryant has built a name of her own, but her latest appearance had fans noticing how much she has changed — and drawing some unexpected comparisons.

Natalia, the eldest daughter of Vanessa Bryant and the late NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, attended the 2026 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 8.

The US Open appearance was shared on Instagram, where Natalia arrived outside the venue, stopped for photos on the event's blue carpet before heading inside to watch the match.

The 23-year-old model brought a distinctly polished look to the tennis event, posing in front of the US Open backdrop in a pale-yellow belted jacket worn over a matching top, paired with wide-leg blue jeans and strappy sandals.

It was an understated outfit, but Natalia's height, confident presence, and poised stance made the look difficult to miss. And while the occasion was ostensibly about tennis, the internet quickly made Natalia herself the main attraction.

One commenter said, "She got taller & slim Down omg look just like her Dad 🙏🏽but then she also favor the mom." Another fan was even more specific about the resemblance, writing, "Now hear me out.. she looks like a black Ivanka Trump. Beautiful!" The comparison came up again, with another commenter saying, "Really, she looks like Ivanka Trump."

For other fans, however, there was no question about which Bryant parent they were seeing when Natalia walked onto the carpet. One admirer said, "Simply Beautiful walking like her DAD💔" while another observed, "She walks just like her dad." A third fan put it even more affectionately, saying, "Walking like papa 😌😌🥹"

Her height was also a major talking point, with one commenter declaring, "She super tall. Runway material 😍😍😍😍😍😍" And another reaction to footage of Natalia's arrival focused on both her appearance and her modeling potential. A commenter said, "Sooo pretty. The shirt dress are soo in!! Looking like. A model [sic]."

Those reactions are particularly fitting given that modeling has been a serious part of Natalia's career for years. Back in February 2021, when Natalia was 18, WWD reported that she had signed with IMG Models, with the agency planning to develop her profile through editorial work and brand endorsements in fashion and beauty.

At the time, Natalia said, "I have always been interested in fashion since a very young age," adding, "I have a love for the industry, and ever since I can remember, I wanted to model." She also acknowledged that there was plenty for her to learn, but described the opportunity as a chance to develop her creativity and express herself through the industry.

IMG Models senior vice president Maja Chiesi praised Natalia's beauty, talent and drive, saying the agency believed she had "such a bright future ahead of her."

Since then, that future has become considerably more visible. Sports Illustrated reported in February 2026 that Natalia's modeling career had blossomed across Paris, Milan and New York, while she has simultaneously pursued filmmaking.

Natalia graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in film in spring 2025, and she has already put that education to work, including on a Kobe sneaker commercial featuring New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.

She also served as producer for a Lakers hype video that featured baseball star Shohei Ohtani, giving her a professional creative path that exists alongside her growing fashion career. Her fashion résumé, meanwhile, includes campaigns for Bulgari and Victoria's Secret Pink, as well as appearances at major fashion events.

Natalia also serves as a board member of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which works to create positive opportunities for underserved athletes and boys and girls in sports. Her runway career took a particularly memorable step in September 2023, when she made her runway debut for Versace during Milan Fashion Week.

Natalia walked in a black dress with angular shoulders, silver chrome ballet flats and a classic black leather purse, while her mother watched proudly from the front row. Afterward, Natalia celebrated the milestone on her Instagram, writing, "VERSACE!! Grazie Mille!! It still feels like a dream. I am beyond honored and grateful."

Vanessa responded with a proud message of her own, writing, "I'm so proud of you, baby! Congratulations!!!" She later added, "You did it, mama!!!!" Natalia's path into fashion was not entirely separate from her interest in storytelling, either.

While studying film, she developed a passion for filmmaking and drew inspiration from directors including Sofia Coppola and Greta Gerwig, particularly around stories dealing with girlhood and coming-of-age. That creative side has helped make her career somewhat unusual: Natalia isn't simply following one path. She's building a place for herself in both fashion and film.

Her mother has also spoken proudly about the way Natalia approaches those ambitions. Vanessa said, "Natalia has always been able to accomplish anything she sets her mind to." She added, "I'm so proud of everything she's achieved and impressed by the kind, smart, and beautiful young woman I've seen her become."

Natalia has also continued to honor her family, including her late father and sister Gianna, while pursuing her own career. In September 2023, she threw out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers Lakers Night game held in Kobe Bryant's honor, another public moment that connected her growing adulthood with her family's legacy.

Her fashion evolution has been visible in smaller details, too. Before the long hair she has worn at more recent appearances, Natalia was known for a sleek black bob that reached her neck and framed her face in a much shorter, polished style.

At the Revolve Festival, she later debuted long black hair styled in a half ponytail, with the rest falling over her shoulders. She paired the new hairstyle with a mini denim skirt, belt, tucked-in sweater emblazoned with "GIRL," black ankle boots and white socks, completing the look with rings, bangles and necklaces.

That transformation — from the youthful bob to longer hair, major runway appearances, and increasingly polished public looks — may explain why so many fans noticed how different Natalia looks now. Take a look at the photos below.

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