Melania was born on April 26, 1970, in Sevnica, then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Life in a socialist country was structured and modest.
Melania, her sister Ines, and their parents lived in a simple apartment building typical of the Communist era — concrete walls, no frills, practical design.
But inside, friends recall the Knavs household as warm, tidy, and full of creativity.
Her mother, Amalija, worked as a patternmaker in a children’s clothing factory. She had a sharp eye for textiles and fashion, and she often sewed elegant dresses at home.
These handmade creations weren’t just clothing — they were small lessons. Melania learned how fabric, color, and structure worked together, and even as a young girl, she sketched outfits and experimented with designs.
Her father, Viktor, worked as a car dealer and managed the town’s vehicle inventory system, a respected position at the time.
He always dressed in polished suits, which left a lasting impression on young Melania. His sense of formality and discipline influenced her lifelong appreciation for appearance and presentation.
A Quiet Student With a Strong Artistic Side
Teachers consistently described Melania as a shy but observant child. She was polite, diligent, and attentive — the kind of student who listened more than she spoke.Continue reading…
