Natalia Bryant has Mexican roots from her mom Vanessa Bryant's side of the family, and it turns out she understands Spanish! HOLA! was backstage at the Victoria's Secret 2026 Fashion Show on Sunday while the models were getting their hair and makeup done, and we had the chance to catch up with the 23-year-old model.
© GettyWhen we asked her to do an intro for social media, Bryant asked if she should do it in Spanish, revealing, "I understand Spanish completely. I just can’t speak it,” before adding, “But you know what, we’ll try.”
The adorable moment went viral on social media and struck a chord with people who share a similar experience of understanding a language without feeling 100% comfortable speaking it themselves. One commenter related to the model’s struggle, writing, “See, it’s weird I’m not the only one. I can understand it; I will just talk back in English or Spanglish.”
Another joked that Natalia would always be welcome at a carne asada, while a separate comment pointed to her family connection, noting that her late father, Kobe Bryant, spoke Italian and Spanish.
Natalia is the eldest daughter of Kobe and Vanessa, and her Spanish confession added a personal touch to a major moment in her growing modeling career. While her language skills became a talking point, the model was also clearly excited about stepping onto the Victoria’s Secret runway for the first time. "I’m so excited, like seriously so over the moon and I can’t wait.”
The model revealed that she had been up since around 5 a.m. preparing for the big night.
© GettyNatalia also shared her go-to trick for feeling confident when she needs an instant boost. Rather than naming a product or beauty ritual, she said she tries to stay grounded in herself. “I don’t know. I just try to be myself and really just like, I always like put my shoulders back,” she explained. “That’s like my reset.”
As for what made her nervous about the runway, Natalia did not hesitate to name her biggest fear. “Oh my gosh, knock on wood now that you say that,” she said when asked about any irrational worries. “I don’t know. No, really just falling. Falling’s the number one.
Thankfully, there was no tumble from any models during the show. Natalia made her debut in the Victoria’s Secret PINK segment, wearing a black bra with leopard-print lettering beneath a hot-pink bolero, paired with low-rise jeans embellished with colorful gems.
© GettyShe finished the look with silver heels, a sparkling handbag, heart-shaped earrings, a bow-adorned headband, and a belt decorated with miniature stuffed-dog charms. The playful, Y2K-inspired outfit stood out from the show’s more traditional lingerie looks.
© Dimitrios KambourisThe look sparked conversation online, with reactions ranging from criticism to support for the young model as she took on a new challenge. Some viewers questioned her place in the show, while others pushed back against the backlash and celebrated her willingness to pursue a career in fashion.
“I hate all the backlash. It’s not about nepotism; it’s about ambition, growth, and choosing to step outside your comfort zone. Never settle, never conform, and always reach for the stars,” one commenter wrote.
Others focused on Natalia herself, praising her family and sharing emotional reactions to seeing her take this next step. One person described her as “a beautiful soul,” adding that her mother was doing a wonderful job raising Natalia and her sisters. Another wrote, “Her mommy twin. They are so beautiful,” while a separate commenter said they saw Kobe in Natalia’s eyes.
© GettyVanessa was there to support her daughter from the audience, cheering her on as she walked the runway. The proud mom later shared a sweet moment with Natalia after the show.
