The Stunning Transformation Of Melania Trump
Lifestyle - News
By LAUREN BAIR and BRITTANY BROLLEY
Melania's Childhood
Melania Trump was born as Melania Knauss on April 26, 1970, in the industrial town of Novo Mesto in the region formerly known as Yugoslavia. She spent her early years kicking around in a stark, Communist-era apartment block; a childhood friend told the AP that "Even as a child, [Melania] dreamed of moving."
Melania's Passion
Melania discovered her passion for fashion early on, explaining that "I always liked beauty and fashion. My mom was in the fashion business. I was 5 years old when I did my first catwalk." She also enjoyed after-school gymnastics and creating art, even designing her own clothes with the help of her sister and mother.
Melania's Career Shift
While Melania was attending the Secondary School of Design and Photography in Ljubljana, she was scouted for modeling by photographer Stane Jerko. Jerko taught Melania how to pose, and photographed her just a few weeks after they met; at 18, Melania dropped out of school after she was signed to an agency in Milan.
Melania in america
In 1996, Melania Trump finally arrived at The Big Apple, thanks to her agent Paolo Zampolli.; however, the then-26-year-old model struggled to find work in the extremely tough and competitive industry. "She wasn't working every day, she was going to castings every day and not succeeding,” said Trump’s former roommate.
Melania's Enthusiasm
Melania decided to model in alcohol and tobacco ads, and also posed nude in pinup spreads, which gave her an advantage over underaged competitors. The former First Lady acknowledged her old career in an interview: "I think people will always judge. That's part of the job that I was doing; I was [a] very successful model."