Before we knew her as the elegant First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump led a life shrouded in a touch of mystery, intertwined with a few secretive romances that were kept well out of the public eye. That is, until now.
Born Melanija Knavs in the charming Slovenian town of Sevnica, her ascent to global fame is a story of determination and ambition. Long before her high-profile marriage to Donald Trump in 2005, she diligently worked her way up in the modeling world, journeying from the quaint streets of Ljubljana to the bustling fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, and eventually, New York City.
How Melania Met Donald Trump
Melania’s story took a significant turn in 1998, when she met Donald Trump at a glamorous Fashion Week party held at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan. The event was hosted by Italian entrepreneur Paolo Zampolli, who had signed her to his modeling agency, ID Model Management. Even though Trump was attending with a date, he found himself captivated by Melania and sought her phone number that very night.
According to her best friend Edit Molnar, Melania was initially unimpressed by the wealthy mogul, considering dating him “completely out of the question.” She recounted, “Melania said, ‘He’s here with a woman. I am absolutely not giving him my number.’” However, despite her initial reluctance, Donald Trump’s persistence eventually won her over.
Not One for the Party Scene
Zampolli, now a U.S. Ambassador for Global Partnerships, commented, “She never dated anyone in New York before Donald. Melania preferred spending her time at home, going to the movies alone, or hitting the gym. She wasn’t the party type.” Despite gracing a massive billboard in Times Square for Camel cigarettes, she maintained a low-key lifestyle. In January 2005, Melania and Donald tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and a year later, welcomed their son, Barron.
The First Love: A Peek into Melania’s Past
Among the earliest figures linked to Melania is Peter Butoln, who claims to have been her boyfriend during her high school years in Slovenia. “She was my first love,” Butoln recollected in an interview. Their paths crossed when Melania moved to Ljubljana at 17 to study design. According to Butoln, he first noticed her in a group of girls and was instantly enchanted by her beauty.
Their romance, however, was brief. It ended when Butoln left for military service. Melania’s last communication with him was a postcard from 1987, extending “warm regards from the seaside.” Despite his own claims of a youthful romance with Melania, a spokesperson for the former First Lady later refuted his assertions, stating they were never official.
A Last Romance in Slovenia
Another link to Melania’s romantic past is Jure Zorcic, who encountered Melania in 1991. Zorcic shared how they met serendipitously while he was on his motorcycle in Ljubljana and was so taken by her presence that he turned around just to speak with her. “It was like a scene from a movie,” he fondly recalled. Following this encounter, they dated for several months, even enjoying vacations together along the scenic Croatian coast.
Years later, with her modeling career gaining momentum, Melania left Slovenia for opportunities in Milan and Paris. Although their romantic chapter closed, Zorcic would see her again in 2000 in New York, where Melania acknowledged him in English, reflecting her seamless transition from European roots to American affluence.
Zorcic shared his thoughts on Melania’s future with Trump: “I believe it was written in the stars for her to marry Donald Trump. No one, not even Melania, could have predicted that she would be living a life of luxury on Fifth Avenue.”
From Slovenian Beginnings to Fifth Avenue
After meeting Donald Trump in 1998, Melania’s life took yet another turn as she transitioned from the quiet life of a dedicated model to the intense public scrutiny that came with dating a prominent public figure. Despite the whirlwind of public attention, Melania handled it with grace, consistently showing admiration for Trump as both a partner and potential leader.
In a 1999 interview, she confidently stated, “He would be a great president. He’s incredibly smart and knows how to lead a business. He would be an excellent leader of the country.” At the time, Trump’s thoughts on running for president were still in the realm of speculation. However, Melania had already seen the qualities she admired and believed in his potential, proving herself as more than “just a pretty adornment,” but a woman of insight.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Melania Trump and her fascinating life story. How do you feel about the life she leads and the path she has chosen?
