Before becoming the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump built a successful career in the fashion industry, working as a model across Europe and later in the United States.
Those who knew her during her early years have often described her as hardworking, focused, and determined. One of the people who witnessed that chapter of her life firsthand was Swedish model Victoria Silvstedt, who briefly shared an apartment with Melania while both were pursuing modeling careers in Paris.
Victoria Silvstedt Reflects on Living With Melania Trump
Victoria Silvstedt recently shared memories of her time living with Melania during their modeling days in Paris. According to Silvstedt, the two young models supported each other as they worked to establish successful careers in the competitive fashion industry.
She described Melania as a kind and grounded person who remained focused on her goals. Silvstedt recalled that they spent much of their free time at home rather than attending parties or social events, concentrating instead on their careers and future ambitions.
According to Silvstedt, Melania stood out because of her determination and commitment to achieving success.
Determination Was Evident From the Beginning
Silvstedt remembered Melania as someone who constantly worked toward her goals.
She recalled a lighthearted example from their time together, explaining how Melania would encourage her to run up stairs after meals as a way of staying fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
According to Silvstedt, Melania often spoke about her ambitions and admired successful women in the entertainment and fashion industries. She reportedly expressed a desire to follow in the footsteps of legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren, whose career and elegance inspired her.
These early ambitions would eventually help shape Melania’s path from Europe to the United States.
From European Model to American Success
After building experience in Europe, Melania moved to New York City in 1996.
Her relocation was made possible through businessman Paolo Zampolli, who helped introduce her to opportunities in the American modeling industry.
Once in the United States, Melania secured various modeling assignments, runway appearances, and advertising campaigns. Her career steadily grew as she gained recognition within the fashion world.
One of her most notable modeling achievements came in 2000 when she appeared in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a milestone that increased her visibility and profile.
Meeting Donald Trump Changed Her Life
A major turning point in Melania’s personal life occurred in 1998 when she met businessman Donald Trump.
Their relationship eventually became one of the most talked-about partnerships in American public life.
The couple married in 2005, and Melania later became First Lady of the United States when Donald Trump was elected president.
Her journey from a small town in Slovenia to the White House remains one of the most remarkable personal stories in modern politics.
Former Colleagues Praise Her Professionalism
Silvstedt is not the only person who has spoken positively about Melania’s early career.
Several photographers and industry professionals who worked with her have also shared favourable memories.
Stane Jerko, the photographer who first discovered Melania in Slovenia, previously described her as shy but eager to learn. He noted that she quickly adapted to the demands of modeling and showed strong potential from an early stage.
Photographer Antoine Verglas, who worked with Melania on several well-known photo shoots, has also praised her professionalism and work ethic.
According to Verglas, she consistently approached assignments seriously and preferred to keep her personal life private.
A Private Life Despite Public Attention
Those who worked with Melania during her modeling career often highlight her preference for privacy.
Even as her profile grew through fashion work and later through her relationship with Donald Trump, she remained relatively reserved compared to many public figures.
Former colleagues describe her as focused on her work rather than seeking attention or publicity.
That reputation for maintaining a private personal life has largely continued throughout her years in the public spotlight.
An Extraordinary Journey
Looking back, Silvstedt described Melania’s rise from aspiring model to First Lady as something few could have predicted.
Although the two women have since lost contact, Silvstedt said she still finds Melania’s life story remarkable.
She recalled briefly meeting her again years later in New York and reflected on how unexpected her future path had been.
For someone who once shared a modest apartment with another young model in Paris, becoming First Lady of the United States was a journey that exceeded almost anyone’s expectations.
