We’ll start way back at the beginning, more specifically 1987, when
Melania Trump came into contact with the modeling business for the first
time. She dropped out of her studies at the University of Ljubljana after
only a year, and instead decided to pursue her dream of being a model. She
first hired a photographer to put together a portfolio for her.
Melania Trump – modeling career
A year later, at the age of 18, she signed with a modeling agency in Milan.
She spent a couple of years doing modeling work in both Milan and Paris,
and she was doing very well.
At this point, Melania wanted to advance in her career. She then came into
contact with wealthy Italian businessman Paolo Zampolli, who set her up
with a modeling contract, as well as a work visa for her to travel to the US.
“I came here for my career, and I did so well, I moved here,” Melania told
Harper’s Bazaar. “It never crossed my mind to stay here without papers.
That is just the person you are. You follow the rules. You follow the law.
Every few months you need to fly back to Europe and stamp your visa.
“After a few visas, I applied for a green card and got it in 2001. After the
green card, I applied for citizenship. And it was a long process.”
After moving to the US, Melania had the world at her feet. Even though she
was considered “old” for a model – at 26 years of age – she used it to her
advantage and worked for tobacco companies. Her face was soon all over
Times Square in a commercial for cigarettes. At the same time, she
designed and sewed clothes for herself and her friends.
The aforesaid Paolo Zampolli realized that Melania wasn’t really into
partying. However, it was at that kind of event where one met fashion
photographers and other people in the business who could help one move
forward in their career.
Charity work
The line, named Melania Timepieces & Fashion Jewelry, featured bracelets,
diamond-patterned watches, and, as described, “chic and cosmopolitan
looks from Melania Trump”.