Early Dreams in a Small Town

Melania Trump’s ambitions surfaced early—too big for the small town of Sevnica to contain. A chance meeting soon catapulted her onto international runways. Years later, she would leave modeling behind for a very different public role.

Today, renewed interest surrounds her early modeling photos. Widely shared online, the images spark comparisons between her past and present appearances.

Growing Up in Sevnica

Born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, she grew up in Sevnica, Yugoslavia. The town, lined with factory chimneys and concrete apartment blocks, stood far from the world she would later enter.

Melania lived in one of those blocks, next to the bright primary school she attended. Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car dealer and once drove for a mayor and a textile factory director. Her mother, Amalija, created patterns for a children’s clothing company.

Donald Trump attends the New York Knicks game with Melania Trump on March 12, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Quiet, Polite, and Driven

Classmates described Melania as polite, disciplined, and focused. Her friend and future headmistress, Mirjana Jelancic, recalled her as an “excellent student” with “very decent manners.” She rarely raised her voice or used harsh words.

Even then, Melania gravitated toward fashion. She often redesigned old clothes and dreamed of becoming a designer. Jelancic remarked, “Sevnica was too small for her.” Melania often spoke of moving beyond it.

A Photographer’s Discovery

At 16, Melania caught the attention of Slovenian photographer Stane Jerko while waiting for a friend in Ljubljana’s Festival Hall. It was January 1987. Jerko, impressed by her look, asked her to model.

During their first session, Melania brought her own clothes. Though shy, she followed his directions. Soon, she returned for another shoot—this time modeling factory-made outfits. She quickly grew more confident and curious about photography’s technical side. Her modeling career had begun.

Modeling in Europe and Beyond

After finishing school, she modeled in Milan and Paris. She built a portfolio and worked across Europe while mastering English, German, French, Italian, Slovenian, and Serbo-Croatian.

Using the name Melania Knauss, she modeled through the ’90s. In 1996, she moved to New York, determined to break into the American fashion scene.

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Meeting Donald Trump

Melania met Donald Trump in 1998 at a party hosted by modeling agent Paolo Zampolli. Trump, who had arrived with Celina Midelfart, asked for Melania’s number. She declined, noting he was already with someone.

Still, they began dating soon after. They briefly split in 2000 when Trump considered running for president with the Reform Party, but later reconciled.

A Glamorous Proposal and Family Life

In 2002, the couple visited Slovenia. After landing in Trump’s private jet, they dined with Melania’s family at Lake Bled. She acted as interpreter throughout the evening.

Trump proposed in 2004 during the Costume Institute Gala. They married in January 2005 in Palm Beach, Florida. A year later, Melania gave birth to their son, Barron.

During her pregnancy, Vogue photographed her in a gold bikini on Trump’s jet. Her fashion career faded as she stepped into the public eye as Trump’s wife.

Mixed Feelings Back Home

Trump’s 2016 campaign reignited interest in Melania’s roots. In Sevnica, reactions were mixed. Some felt proud of a Slovenian-born First Lady. Others were indifferent. “What does it mean to me if she is First Lady?” one resident asked.

Jerko, the photographer who discovered her, said, “She has something special. I know she is very clever and skilled.”

Childhood friend Jelancic admitted she was surprised by Melania’s choice of husband but said Trump reminded her of Melania’s father—hardworking and focused.

Transitioning into Public Life

Melania remained low-profile early in the 2016 campaign. Her first major appearance came in November 2015 at a South Carolina rally. “Isn’t he the best? He will be the best president ever,” she told the crowd. Trump responded with a kiss and said, “Thank you, honey.”

Her public role grew from there, expanding into campaign events, interviews, and media scrutiny. Her style and demeanor drew attention and comparisons to her modeling years.

Reserved, Private, and Focused on Family

Throughout the campaign and presidency, Melania kept a quiet presence. She avoided unnecessary spotlight, stepping out mostly for official events.

In New York, she lived at Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. Reports noted guests had to wear surgical booties to protect the marble floors. She kept a discreet routine focused on raising Barron.

Before Trump Tower, she lived in Union Square’s Zeckendorf Towers. Even then, she stayed mostly out of sight, appearing only with her husband and son.

A Life Reimagined

Melania Trump’s journey—from a Slovenian town to global catwalks to the White House—is a story of transformation. Her poise and reserved nature contrast her early runway years, but her disciplined, driven spirit remains unchanged.