Melania Trump's modeling photos resurface, stir online buzz

Euphoria swept through the Republicans when it was revealed that their representative, Donald Trump, would return to the White House after four years. The world's eyes are now turned toward the President-elect as he celebrates his success with those closest to him. Internet users were particularly intrigued by a photo taken during a rally in Florida that showed the whole family but missing the most important woman in his life.

With her return to the spotlight, Melania Trump will capture media attention again. This poses no challenge for the businesswoman accustomed to the flash of cameras. Even during her teenage years, she had mastered the art of posing, steadily advancing her modeling career.

The American of Slovenian roots was noticed by photographer Stane Jerko at not quite 17 years old during a fashion show in Ljubljana. Interestingly, teenage Melania showed little interest in pursuing a career in this field. She was there waiting for her friend, who was fascinated by the runway world, unlike her.

It was January 1987 when I went home just before the end of the fashion show. On the stairs of the Festival Hall, I saw a girl that immediately caught my eye. There stood a tall, slender and attractive long-haired girl with distinct eyes - the photographer recalled their first meeting in an interview with "Today."

Melania Knauss, as she was known before marrying the future president, was reluctantly persuaded by Jerko to participate in a trial photoshoot. Despite initial shyness, she quickly adapted, surprising everyone with her ease on set. As the photographer noted, she began to take an interest in fashion not only from a designer's perspective. She eagerly expanded her knowledge about contemporary hair and makeup trends and learned how to properly set lighting during sessions. Over time, modeling became her life's passion, leading her to sign contracts with modeling agencies in Milan and Paris in subsequent years.

Photos from the pivotal year of 1987, a genuine breakthrough for her, have now found a new life on TikTok. Many commenters had a distinctly hard time recognizing Melania in archival frames.

I would never have recognized her; A completely different person; She looked completely different; No way, that's not her - incredulous internet users remarked.

Platform users compared her resemblance to, among others, Madonna in her early career days, singer Björk, and even a young Joaquin Phoenix. Additionally, there are opinions that the 54-year-old now looks much better than during her teenage years.

Check out TikTok to admire Melania's old photos.