Melania Trump has long remained a figure of mystery, known for her quiet composure and fiercely private nature. Recently, renewed interest in her early modeling days has sparked fascination with her transformation—from a small-town girl in Yugoslavia to First Lady of the United States. Born Melanija Knavs in 1970 in Novo Mesto, she grew up in Sevnica, a modest industrial town. Her father, Viktor, was a car dealer, and her mother, Amalija, worked as a patternmaker. Former teachers recall her as polite, graceful, and ambitious—traits that set her apart early on.
Melania’s modeling journey began at 16 after being discovered by photographer Stane Jerko. She quickly grew into a confident model, eventually working in Paris and Milan, and mastering five languages. In 1996, she moved to New York, rebranding herself as Melania Knauss. She met Donald Trump in 1998 at a party and married him in 2005 after a highly publicized courtship. Their son, Barron, was born in 2006. While her modeling career ended, her refined style and reserved strength continued to attract attention.
During Trump’s presidency, Melania chose a low-profile role, prioritizing privacy over publicity. She delayed moving into the White House to focus on Barron’s schooling and kept her distance from the campaign spotlight. Her hometown, Sevnica, saw a tourism boom during Trump’s term, though reactions were mixed. Some were proud; others indifferent. Photographer Jerko still remembers her fondly: “She had something special—intelligence, grace, and vision.”