See how Melania Trump’s style has evolved through the years — the changes might surprise you.

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.

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.

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.

Related Posts

30 Minutes ago in New York City,Eric Trump was confirmed as…See more

Thirty minutes ago in Florida, Eric Trump was confirmed as taking a major step that has quickly drawn nationwide attention. As the son of former President Donald…

Caitlyn Jenner admits that she tested positive for…See More

From the Olympic gold medals and world records to a courageous and public transition, her life was nothing but ordinary. But how much do we really know…

CANDACE OWENS DROPS SHOCKER: Back-Angle Footage Shows

Candace Owens has set off a firestorm after revealing what she saw in a video angle the public has not widely viewed. Owens says she personally reviewed…

BREAK!NG NEWS! Serious bus acc ident k ills more than 20 students, they… See more

On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 5th, a tragic accident shook the city of Ipameri, Goiás. A rollover involving a school van resulted in the death of…

20 Minutes ago in New Jersey, Cory Booker was confirmed as…See more

20 Minutes ago in New Jersey, Cory Booker was confirmed as a leading figure in the latest political developments, making headlines across the nation. His confirmation has…

This morning we lost a beloved singer, someone we deeply admired… See more

A Voice That Outlived Silence There are artists whose songs linger like echoes long after the music fades. The singer we remember today was one of them….