Before becoming First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump had an ambitious start in the world of fashion. Born in a small Slovenian town, Melania Knauss dreamed of a successful modeling career. Despite her aspirations and eventual appearances in top fashion magazines, her journey was full of challenges. A prominent figure from her past, her former roommate, has shed light on why Melania’s modeling career struggled during her early days in New York.
Melania moved to New York City in the 1990s after signing with a modeling agency at the age of 16. She shared an apartment with photographer Matthew Atanian, who recalled her difficulties in breaking into top-tier modeling. According to the Atenean, Melania often found herself relegated to second- or third-rate programs. Speaking to the Irish Star, the Atenean said, “She was always kind of a tough person. That’s why she wasn’t a successful model—she couldn’t walk.”
The Atenean also revealed that Melania’s modeling career was faltering before meeting Donald Trump in 1998, which marked a turning point. However, his dedication to his art was undeniable. Atenian described her disciplined lifestyle in a Vanity Fair interview, stating that Melania followed a strict diet of fruits and vegetables, wore ankle weights at home, and drank plenty of water to maintain her figure.
Despite these efforts, others in the industry were critical of his work. Former actress Quinn Cummings dismissed Melania’s early photos as unnatural, calling them “amateurish” and unlikely to attract the attention of an agency. However, Melania’s love of fashion ran deep, influenced by her mother, Amalija Neves, a children’s clothing designer.
Melania’s luck changed after meeting Donald Trump. In the early 2000s, she graced the covers of magazines such as GQ and worked with renowned photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier and Helmut Newton. Her relationship with Trump raised her profile, leading to a high-profile marriage in 2005 and a subsequent move into the public spotlight.
While Melania Trump faced early struggles in her modeling career, her persistence and connections ultimately led to bigger opportunities. Her story highlights both the challenges of the competitive fashion industry and the vital role of personal reinvention in her rise to prominence.
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