See How Melania Trump's Appearance Has Evolved — The Change Is More Dramatic Than You'd Think

Her ambitions started early, in a town that couldn't hold them. A chance encounter soon opened doors to runways near and far. Years later, she stepped away from that life to take on a very different public role.

Resurfaced photos of Melania Trump have renewed interest in how her appearance has changed over time. Online reactions have highlighted just how different she once looked. Her public image has shifted alongside key moments in her life. To trace that progression, it's worth looking back to where it all started.

The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, was born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, a town in what was then Yugoslavia. She was raised in Sevnica, a small industrial town along the Sava River, known for its factory chimneys and Communist-era apartment blocks.

Her family lived in one of those buildings, next to the brightly painted primary school she attended. Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car dealer and had previously been a driver for a local mayor and later for the director of a government-owned textile factory.

Her mother, Amalija, worked in the same industry, developing patterns for a children's clothing manufacturer. According to public records, Viktor was listed as a member of the Communist Party, though a campaign spokesperson later said he had never been an active participant.

Former classmates and childhood acquaintances recall Melania as quiet, polite, and focused on her studies. Mirjana Jelancic, a school friend who later became the headmistress of their school, described her as "an excellent student, very organized, disciplined, with very decent manners."

She also noted that Melania rarely raised her voice and never used inappropriate language. Even in her early years, Melania showed a strong interest in fashion. She would often repurpose old clothing to create new outfits, and once dreamed of becoming a designer.

Jelancic remarked that "Sevnica was too small for her." Young Melania would often talk about wanting to move beyond the borders of her hometown. Her early interest in fashion would eventually become her path forward. That path began to take shape in her teenage years.

At age 16, Melania was discovered by Slovenian photographer Stane Jerko while waiting for a friend at the Festival Hall in Ljubljana. It was January 1987, and Jerko had just stepped outside near the end of a fashion show when he noticed her standing on the stairs.

Impressed by her appearance, he approached her and suggested a photo session. For their first shoot, Melania brought her own clothing to the studio. Though initially reserved, she followed Jerko's guidance. Jerko later invited her back for a second shoot, this time modeling clothes from a local textile factory.

She quickly became more at ease in front of the camera and showed interest in understanding the technical aspects of a shoot. With those sessions, her professional modeling career began. After completing high school, Melania began modeling in Milan and Paris.

She took on assignments across the European fashion circuit, gradually building her portfolio and industry contacts. During this time, she also became fluent in several languages, including English, German, French, and Italian, in addition to Slovenian and Serbo-Croatian.

She adopted the name Melania Knauss for professional use and continued working steadily through the 1990s. By 1996, she decided to move to New York City, where she aimed to establish herself in the American market. Her move to New York marked a turning point in her career.

It also led to the introduction that would later bring her into the public spotlight. Melania met Donald Trump in 1998 at a party in New York City hosted by Paolo Zampolli, the owner of a modeling agency. Trump, who had arrived with Norwegian cosmetics heiress Celina Midelfart, approached Melania and asked for her phone number.

She declined, noting that he was there with someone else. Despite the initial rejection, they began dating shortly afterward. The couple briefly separated in 2000, during a period when Trump was considering a run for president as a Reform Party candidate. They later reconciled and continued their relationship.

In July 2002, Melania returned to Slovenia with Trump for a brief visit. After landing at Ljubljana's Brnik Airport in Trump's private jet, the couple, along with Melania's parents and Trump's assistant, drove to the Grand Hotel Toplice at Lake Bled. The restaurant had been cleared for their dinner.

Melania interpreted throughout the evening, and they left the country before midnight. In 2004, Trump proposed to Melania on the night of the Costume Institute Gala. They were married in January 2005 in Palm Beach, Florida. The following year, Melania gave birth to their son, Barron.

During her pregnancy, she was photographed for Vogue wearing a gold bikini on the steps of Trump's private jet. As she entered public life alongside her husband, Melania began transitioning from the fashion world, but her role as Trump's wife brought her more public attention.

More than a decade later, during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, public interest in Melania's Slovenian background increased. Reactions in Sevnica, her hometown, were mixed. Some residents expressed pride in the possibility of a Slovenian-born First Lady.

Others, particularly younger people, were unfamiliar with her or indifferent to the news. One resident, Ilija Nikic, said, "What does it mean to me if she is First Lady? Who cares?" Photographer Jerko said, "I wouldn't say she is just Donald Trump's wife. She has something special. I know she is very clever and skilled."

Those who knew her earlier in life commented on her discipline and focus. Childhood friend Jelancic said she was surprised at first by Melania’s choice to marry someone much older, but noted that Trump reminded her of Melania's father in terms of work ethic.

Melania Trump maintained a relatively low profile during the early stages of her husband's presidential campaign. Her first major appearance came in November 2015 at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where Donald Trump brought his family onstage.

Speaking briefly to the crowd, she said, "Isn't he the best? He will be the best president ever. We love you." Trump responded with a kiss and said, "Thank you, honey. Very nice." This appearance marked the beginning of her transition into a public political role.

While she had long been photographed for fashion magazines, her presence now extended into campaign events, interviews, and political commentary. Her wardrobe and public demeanor received increased attention, often compared to her earlier modeling years.

Throughout the campaign and her time in the White House, Melania was noted for keeping a reserved presence. Her public image shifted, but her privacy preference remained. She often avoided the spotlight outside of official events.

In New York, Melania lived in Trump Tower, located on Fifth Avenue. According to published reports, guests in the apartment were required to wear surgical booties to avoid damaging the marble floors. Melania was known for maintaining a quiet routine while raising their son.

She once lived in the Zeckendorf Towers on Union Square, where she remained largely out of the public eye apart from appearances with her husband and son. Melania has consistently prioritized her role as a mother.

In 2024, as her son Barron prepared to graduate from Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, a source close to the family shared that she remained actively involved in guiding his future. The source said, "Melania will keep her hand on Barron's future just as much going forward as she has throughout his early and current school years."

Barron's graduation ceremony was scheduled for May 17, 2024. At the time, Melania was described as fully focused on his transition into adulthood. "He is her world," the source said. "She is proud of him, and she is the primary decision maker on Barron and his future."

The source also noted that while Barron was forming his own opinions, Melania continued to offer steady guidance. According to the source, "She wants him to be happy and settled in his future endeavors. She wants him to pursue what he wants to do."

Her attention to family matters remained consistent throughout her time in the public eye, underscoring a clear priority in her private life. In January 2024, Melania's mother, Amalija, passed away at the age of 78. Melania announced the news on social media.

A funeral service was held at a church near the family's Mar-a-Lago estate. During her eulogy, Melania described her mother as "a ray of light in the darkest of days." She spoke about the peace she found in her mother's presence and shared memories of family travels and conversations that "flowed effortlessly with grace and charm."

Amalija worked in a Slovenian children's clothing factory, developing patterns, and had met Viktor, Melania's father, in 1966 while he was working as a chauffeur.

In recent months, early modeling photos of Melania resurfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention. The images, which date back to her teenage years in Slovenia, were shared by several users who posted montages and clips highlighting her early career.

The reactions were immediate. One user wrote, "Young Melania Trump WAS SOMETHING ELSE." Another commented, "She looked pretty back then and still pretty even now." Others remarked on the consistency in her appearance over the years, with one user stating, "She has not changed."

One post featuring a compilation of her early photos received responses such as, "Oh how I enjoyed watching that I have never seen this before. Thank you for posting it.!! [sic]" followed by heart emojis.

Her transformation spans decades, continents, and careers. Each stage has been documented, whether in early black-and-white portraits or viral clips online. While opinions vary, one thing is clear: Melania's evolving image continues to draw attention.