Melania Trump’s Love For Fashion Was Inspired By Patternmaker Mother
Melania Trump has served some iconic looks over the years, and the former first lady has her patternmaker mother to thank for her passion for fashion.
Former President Donald Trump's wife previously opened up about the influence Amalija Knavs, who died at age 78 this week after battling an undisclosed illness, had on her career in the fashion industry during a speech at the Republican National Convention in 2016.
"My elegant and hard-working mother Amalija introduced me to fashion and beauty," the former model said, according to People.
Melania's mother worked as a patternmaker at a children's clothing factory in Sevnica, Slovenia, for years, The New York Times reported. She also made her daughters' clothes when they were children.
Amalija's attention to personal appearance and meticulous selection of outfits inspired Melania's early exposure to the world of style, according to Betty Boyd Caroli's 2019 book "First Ladies."
A notable moment in Melania's fashion trajectory occurred when Amalija arranged for her young daughter to walk the runway for the factory's fashion show, modeling its latest children's clothing.
A photo from 1977 captured then-7-year-old Melania participating in one of these shows, setting the stage for her later career as a model.
Melania went on to pursue a modeling career in Milan and Paris before relocating to New York City in 1996.
Represented by agencies such as Irene Marie Models and Trump Model Management, Melania carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry.
In 2005, Melania married her real estate mogul husband, and their union produced a son, Barron, the following year. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in the same year and went on to become the first lady in 2016.
Amalija, along with her husband Viktor Knavs, became U.S. citizens in 2018, a move that stirred controversy due to their sponsorship by their adult daughter, Melania.
Melania announced the passing of her mother Tuesday through a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
She described Amalija as "a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity."
"We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy," Melania added.
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.
Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond…
The former president also mourned the loss, calling Amalija an "incredible woman" in a post on Truth Social.
"This is a very sad night for the entire Trump family!!!" he wrote.
