Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs in 1970 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, began her life in the quiet industrial town of Sevnica. Even as a young girl, she was known for being disciplined, polite, and deeply interested in fashion. Her modeling career kicked off at just 16 years old after being discovered by photographer Stane Jerko.
She went on to model in fashion capitals like Paris and Milan before making the leap to New York City in 1996 to further her career.
Two years later, in 1998, she met Donald Trump at a party. The couple married in 2005 and welcomed their son, Barron, in 2006. As First Lady, Melania kept a low public profile, focusing heavily on her role as a mother and protecting her family’s privacy—particularly during her husband’s time in office.
Her Slovenian background remained a point of interest, especially in her hometown of Sevnica, where reactions to her fame have been mixed over the years.
Recently, some of Melania’s early modeling photos have resurfaced online, reigniting public interest in how her appearance has evolved. While a few observers have noted subtle changes, many continue to praise her for maintaining a timeless sense of elegance and grace.
From a small town in Eastern Europe to high fashion runways and eventually the White House, Melania Trump’s journey continues to fascinate and inspire curiosity around the world.