A Chance Encounter at Fashion Week
\nIn 1998, Donald Trump and Melania Knauss met unexpectedly at a New York Fashion Week party hosted by Italian entrepreneur Paolo Zampolli. Melania, a Slovenian-born model, caught Donald\u2019s attention immediately. At 52, recently separated from his second wife, and attending the party with a date, Donald shifted his focus to her.<\/p>\n
Melania recalled to Harper\u2019s Bazaar, \u201cHe wanted my number, but he was with a date, so of course I didn\u2019t give it to him. I said, \u2018I am not giving you my number; you give me yours, and I will call you.\u2019\u201d Donald handed her all his numbers, and she waited a week before calling. \u201cWe had great chemistry, but I was not starstruck,\u201d Melania told GQ.<\/p>\n
A closeup view is seen of the engagement ring that Donald Trump gave to his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City on April 26, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
\nA closeup view is seen of the engagement ring that Donald Trump gave to his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City on April 26, 2004 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
A Brief Break
\nDespite the early spark, the couple faced challenges. They briefly split in 2000. Donald admitted to The New York Times, \u201cMelania is an amazing woman\u2026 and she will be missed.\u201d Melania initially had doubts, keeping her apartment to maintain space, according to her roommate Matthew Atanian. Within six months, they reconciled and began dating steadily.<\/p>\n
The Met Gala Proposal
\nBy 2004, Donald was ready to propose. He chose the prestigious Met Gala, during the \u201cDangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century\u201d Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Chance Encounter at Fashion Week In 1998, Donald Trump and Melania Knauss met unexpectedly at a New York Fashion Week party hosted by Italian entrepreneur Paolo Zampolli. Melania, a Slovenian-born model, caught Donald\u2019s attention immediately. At 52, recently separated from his second wife, and attending the party with a date, Donald shifted his focus…<\/p>\n