Melania Trump's years as a young model in Paris are drawing renewed attention after Victoria Silvstedt, a former roommate who later became Playboy's 1997 Playmate of the Year, shared fresh details about the future first lady's lifestyle, work ethic and intense focus during their early careers.
Speaking in a new interview, Silvstedt described Melania Trump as disciplined, ambitious and remarkably committed to maintaining her appearance long before she entered the political spotlight as the wife of President Donald Trump.
The recollections offer a rare glimpse into a period of Melania Trump's life that remains less documented than her years in New York, her modeling career in the United States, or her time in the White House. According to Silvstedt, the two women shared an apartment in Paris during the 1990s while pursuing modeling opportunities in one of the industry's most competitive markets.
Rather than embracing the glamorous social scene often associated with fashion capitals, Silvstedt said their daily lives were relatively quiet. "We just stuck together. We were very, very supportive of each other. We'd actually stay home most of the time," she recalled.
Silvstedt portrayed Melania as someone whose determination stood out even among ambitious young models. She described her former roommate as "very sweet, down to earth, but also so determined," adding that she possessed "that very Slavic determination."
The interview also highlighted Melania's strict approach to fitness and weight management. Silvstedt recalled that even after eating a simple tuna salad, Melania would immediately focus on burning calories. According to her account, Melania would head for the stairs after meals, turning ordinary routines into opportunities for exercise.
The comments reinforce an image that has followed Melania throughout much of her public life: a woman known for maintaining careful control over her appearance and public presentation. While critics and supporters have often debated her public role, Silvstedt's memories focus less on politics and more on the discipline she observed firsthand decades ago.
Silvstedt also shared an anecdote about Melania's aspirations during those years. She said her roommate admired Italian film icon Sophia Loren and hoped to achieve similar success. Looking back, Silvstedt suggested that Melania's ambitions were apparent long before she became a public figure.
"I never imagined she would become First Lady," Silvstedt said, describing her former roommate's rise as "incredible."
The two women eventually followed very different paths. Silvstedt went on to build a career in entertainment, television and modeling after being named Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1997. Melania moved to New York, continued modeling, married Donald Trump and ultimately became first lady during two separate administrations.
Silvstedt said the pair briefly reconnected in New York before Melania entered the White House, though they later lost contact. Still, the former roommate's memories paint a consistent picture of someone who was focused on long-term goals from an early stage.
