Music-wise, she preferred pop and politely avoided the rock bands popular among her classmates. Style was already part of Melania’s identity. Her mother, Amalija, worked in a children’s clothing factory and often sewed outfits based on Melania’s own sketches. Her father, Viktor, dressed formally and stood out in their working-class neighborhood. The family’s polished appearance left a strong impression on those around them.
Her beauty, too, was unforgettable. One neighbor described her eyes as something “special, almost animal-like.” At age 15, photographer Stane Jerko noticed her potential. Though initially focused on school, she eventually agreed to model — a decision that quietly set her on the path toward an international career. Continue reading…
