Melania Trump, has always had the kind of beauty that turns heads, and some throwback photos are reminding people just how far out of Donald Trump’s league she’s always been.
Before becoming First Lady, Melania was already turning runways across Europe. The Slovenian-born model left home as a teen to pursue fashion and eventually made her way to Manhattan in 1996. With razor-sharp cheekbones, a defined jawline, and stunning legs, she was undeniably gorgeous when she crossed paths with Donald just two years later.
They met in September 1998 at a party while Trump was still through the fallout of his second divorce with Marla Maples. Despite his baggage, and a reputation for brashness, Melania might have seen something that interested her. The couple eventually married in January 2005 in a lavish ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida.
Of course, their age gap is one of the largest among political couples in U.S. history, and time hasn’t exactly worked in Donald’s favor. Melania, on the other hand, has continued to stun, even when some of her fashion choices drew backlash.
President Trump and First Lady Melania arrive for New Years Eve celebrations at Mar-a-Lago tonight 🌟 pic.twitter.com/YuAHo65dTz
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) January 1, 2025
But as these snapshots from the early 2000s show, she’s always been operating on a completely different level.
Melania Trump stuns in shimmering pink on New Year’s Eve
Back on December 31, 2002, Melania, then still Melania Knauss, lit up the evening in a show-stopping pale pink gown. The dress was elegant, a bit daring, and absolutely glamorous with its thigh-high slit and sparkling bracelet.
As the clock counted down to midnight, Melania was clearly the one stealing the spotlight. Her glossy dark hair only made the shimmering look more radiant.
Melania channels cool-girl chic at a 2004 fashion show
Just months before marrying Trump, Melania appeared at the Spring 2005 Marc Jacobs show in NYC wearing something more low-key, but still runway-worthy. Her pink semi-sheer top, casual jeans, and cascading curls gave off major Liz Hurley energy. And yes, that bold golden cross necklace completed the effortlessly cool vibe.
Retro vibes and Bond Girl energy
In a tropical throwback post she shared on Facebook in 2014, Melania evoked retro glamour in a sleek striped dress. “#throwbackthursday,” she captioned the snap. With smoldering eyes and glossy chestnut hair, she looked like she belonged on the set of a James Bond film, if things had gone a different way in her career.
Sexy firefighter moment? Of course.
Back in 2012, Melania fully leaned into Halloween fun, dressing up as a glamorous firefighter in a red-and-yellow minidress. She posted the look on Facebook along with a cheerful “Happy Halloween,” and the internet couldn’t help but notice her sky-high legs and cheeky grin in what looked like Trump Tower’s golden lobby.
Red carpet royalty after tying the knot
In June 2005, not long after becoming Mrs. Trump, Melania turned heads again at the War of the Worlds premiere in NYC. Wearing a silky, champagne-pink gown and sporting newly lightened hair, she outshined her famously flashy husband. Her diamond-studded bracelet and megawatt smile sealed the look.
Melania lights up the Met Gala in hot pink
At the 2008 Met Gala, themed “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy,” Melania made sure her fashion fantasy was front and center. Wearing a bold hot pink mermaid-style Vera Wang gown, she looked like Barbie, if Barbie were also a fashion queen married to a future U.S. president. Donald, in a standard tux, looked more like her plus-one than her equal.
Melania Trump may have kept a more private profile in recent years, but these photos are a reminder, when it comes to looks, style, and glamor, she’s always been in a league of her own.
Scroll below to catch more of her stunning snaps.
The FLOTUS’ style statement has always been something to be envious about.
The First Lady looked effortlessly beautiful at the Military Moms Mother’s Day Celebration at the White House.
Be it the New Year Eves or inaugural ball, Melania has always turned heads with his classy choices!
