Born Melanija Knavs in Sevnica, Slovenia, she grew up in a modest household where her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of discipline. From a young age, she stood out — not only for her striking looks but for her quiet confidence and drive.
When she moved to Ljubljana as a teenager to attend a design school, modeling quickly found her. By her late teens, Melania had already begun building a portfolio that would carry her beyond her country’s borders. Paris, Milan, and eventually New York became stepping stones in a journey that would transform her from a small-town girl into an international model.
