Melania Trump's pre-White House fashion era: Ex-FLOTUS made statement with her Y2K style

A sneak peek into Melania Trump's high-end fashion looks before becoming the First Lady of US

PUBLISHED NOV 18, 2023

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles (Getty Images)

A look back at Melania Trump's '90s and Y2K fashion

Melania Trump (Getty Images) — Melania Trump made style statement even before she became the First Lady of the United States (Getty Images)

Before becoming the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump dazzled in the fashion scenes of the '90s and the Y2K era. Let's take a journey down memory lane to revisit some of Melania's most memorable looks that showcased her flair for fashion and hinted at the elegance that would later define her time in the White House.

Melania Trump stuns in white maxi

Melania Trump at an unspecified event, undated. (Photo by David Allen/Getty Images) — Melania Trump stuns in a white dress with thigh-high slit (Getty Images)

Melania looked stunning in a striking white dress with a subtle slit. The ensemble exuded pure elegance and gave a taste of the glamor that has become synonymous with her name.

Melania Trump beams in silver

Portrait of American businessman Donald Trump and Melania Knauss (born Melanija Knavs) Trump as they pose together before a Marc Jacobs fashion show, New York, New York, 1998. (Photo by Rose Hartman/Getty Images) — Donald and Melania Trump as they pose together at a Marc Jacobs fashion show in New York in 1998 (Rose Hartman/Getty Images)

At a Marc Jacobs fashion show in 1998, Melania appeared alongside Donald Trump in a striking silver dress, epitomizing sophistication. Her poised presence hinted at the fashion-forward journey that awaited her.

Melania Trump stuns for 'Sports Illustrated'

Model Melania Knauss poses in front of the Sports Illustrated 2000 swimsuit issue cover Feb. 22, 2000 in New York City. The swimsuit issue is Sport Illustrated's highest selling issue every year. (Photo by Evan Agostini) — Melania Trump poses in front of the Sports Illustrated 2000 swimsuit issue cover February 2000 in New York City (Getty Images)

Melania turned heads at the preview of the 37th 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue' in 2000. Wearing a long printed dress and a stunning silver neckpiece, she showcased a perfect blend of glamour and grace.

Melania Trump's red hot look

9/14/99 New York, Ny Melania Knauss (Concord Model) At The Launch Of Concords' New Advertising Campaign. There Is Also An Auctin To Benefit Amfar. (Photo By Robin Platzer/Twin Images/Getty Images) — Melania Trump at 'The Launch Of Concords' new advertising campaign (Robin Platzer/Twin Images/Getty Images)

In 1999, Melania sizzled in a hot red dress at the launch of Concord's new advertising campaign. Her vibrant style hinted at the fiery confidence that would later become a trademark.

Melania Trump's sophisticated 'Charlie's Angels' look

Melania Knauss during New York Screening of — Melania Trump during the New York screening of 'Charlie's Angeles' at Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City (KMazur/WireImage)

Stepping onto the red carpet at the 'Charlie's Angels' premiere in 2000, Melania stunned in a white blazer skirt paired with a teal blue net top. The ensemble highlighted her impeccable taste and fashion-forward choices.

Melania Trump golfs in little black dress

05/23/00 New York City 'Maximum Golf' magazine launch party at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. Model Melania Knauss with an unusual putting stance. Photo by Evan Agostini/ImageDirect — Melania Trump strikes a putting stance at 'Maximum Golf' magazine launch party at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park (Evan Agostini/ImageDirect)

Even on the golf course, Melania exuded glamour. At the 'Maximum Golf' magazine launch in 2000, she sported a black leather skirt and halter top, proving that style knows no bounds.

Melania Trump, the red carpet royalty

386900 83: Donald Trump and his girlfriend, model Melania Knauss arrive for the 73rd Annual Academy Awards March 25, 2001 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Weeks/Getty Images) — Donald and Melania Trump at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards on March 25, 2001, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles (Chris Weeks/Getty Images)

Melania graced the red carpet of the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001, accompanied by Donald. She stole the show in a jaw-dropping white gown with a mesmerizing long neckline, setting a standard for red-carpet glamour.

Melania Trump is a fur baby

399264 03: (ITALY OUT) Millionaire Donald Trump (R) and his girlfriend Melania Knauss walk along 59th Street after leaving Barneys January 5, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images) — Donald Trump and Melania Trump walk along 59th Street after leaving Barneys on January 5, 2001, in New York City (Getty Images)

In 2001, Melania and Donald were spotted strolling along 59th Street after leaving Barneys in NYC. Melania showcased urban chic in black leather pants, a fur jacket and a beanie, exuding effortless beauty.

Melania Trump rocks '90s glam

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Model Melania Knauss walks to a car as she leaves the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2003 Collection fashion show at the Theater in Bryant Park during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week February 10, 2003 in New York City. (Photo by Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images) — Melania Trump walks to a car as she leaves the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2003 Collection fashion show in February 10, 2003, in New York City (Getty Images)

Attending the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2003 Collection fashion show, Melania wore a stunning printed fur jacket, showcasing her absolute diva status and impeccable taste in high-end fashion.

Melania Trump exudes timeless charm at royal event

Melania Trump during Cocktail Party for TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at the Museum of Modern Art - November 1, 2005 at Museum of Modern Art in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Robin Platzer/FilmMagic) — Melania Trump during a cocktail party for TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall on November 1, 2005, at Museum of Modern Art in New York City (Robin Platzer/FilmMagic)

In 2005, Melania attended a cocktail party for TRH The Prince of Wales, and The Duchess of Cornwall at the Museum of Modern Art. She exuded timeless elegance in a black silk dress paired with a beautiful fur jacket.