But she always dreamed bigger than the small town she was raised in.
And her life changed when she was discovered by photographer Stane Jerko.
One of her most striking looks was at the 2001 Academy Awards.
She walked the Oscars red carpet alongside her then-boyfriend.
That year was also Trump’s first time at the award ceremony.
This reference may have been purposeful as it helped her look the part of a traditional first lady.
TheSlovenian-born former modeland her husband were far from the typical choice for the first couple.
Her couture inauguration gown
The newly appointed first lady wore another stunning piece for the inaugural ball.
Like her Ralph Lauren inauguration ensemble, this gown showed Melania’s preference for high-end fashion pieces.
The designer Pierre joined her for a ceremony when she donated it.
She loves her home in Manhattan and her independent life."
According toThe Observer, the first couple made their D.C. debut at the Ford Theatre’s annual gala.
Melania looked effortlessly stunning in a silk golden gown by Monique Lhuillier.
Lhuillier is an American designer whom Melania frequently wore as first lady.
The first couple welcomed President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron for the visit.
During the state dinner, the first lady opted to wear a Chanel dress.
Melania seemed to make a special effort on this trip to wear American-made fashion.
Herrera is a Venezuelan-American designer who’s become globally recognized and is worn by many celebrities.
It’s not for myself" (viaUSA Today).
With the designer’s enthusiasm in mind, she was the ideal American designer for Melania to wear overseas.
The high neck and pleated trousers gave the look a classic and crisp feel.
She looked remarkably unrumpled for someone who’d just been on an overseas flight.
The original jumpsuit was designed by Herve Pierre, who shared the sketch for the ensemble onInstagram.
The pair appeared to have a wonderful working relationship during her four years as first lady.
In honor of the first couple’s visit, a black-tie dinner was held at Winston Churchill’s home.
The then-president wore a classic tuxedo, and Melania looked lovely in a buttery yellow, flowing gown.
The gown struck the perfect balance between unique and classic for the evening.
The chiffon gown was a J. Mendel ready-to-wear design.
J. Mendel is a French atelier that has grown into a luxury global fashion brand.
It is one of many European fashion brands that Melania wore as the first lady.
According toUSA Today, this dress initially sold for $6,990 before going on sale for $2,996.
The design has since sold out and is no longer available.
However, many of the fashion label’s gowns have similar pleated fabric like the one worn by Melania.
When she made a statement in white
The Trump presidency had its share of scandals and controversy.
After the news broke, Melania made her first public appearance at the State of the Union in 2018.
According toCNN, the first lady arrived in a separate car from the president.
This was abreak from traditionas the first couple typically arrives at this event together.
Instead, Melania rode with her guests and showed up in style.
Her choice to wear all white led to a lot of speculation.
OneTwitter usereven wrote, “Welcome to the resistance, Melania.”
Communications director Stephanie Grisham toldUSA Todaythat their dresses were chosen to accommodate the Vatican rules.
When he received pushback for supporting the Trump presidency, the designer found it entertaining.
While some loved the choice, others were less comfortable with its warlike style.
Many questioned how tasteful the military look was, but others seemed to enjoy the fashion choice.
OneTwitter userjumped to the first lady’s defense, writing, “She rocks anything she puts on.”
Many were unsettled by the wartime-inspired look, but it was definitely a memorable fashion moment for Melania.
She wore the white and navy hat at a dramatic angle on the side of her head.
The white and navy hat perfectly matched her custom Dolce & Gabbana ensemble.
She finished the look with navy pumps for a crisp and classic look.
This high-fashion moment in front of Buckingham Palace was definitely one of Melania’s best fashion statements.
