Amalija Knavs, a Longtime Patternmaker, ‘Introduced’ Daughter Melania Trump to Fashion in Small-Town Slovenia

Melania Trump (left), Amalija Knavs.Photo:Chip Somodevilla/Getty; ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty; ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty

Melania Trump’s love for fashion — and her modeling career — stemmed in part from her mother,Amalija Knavs, who died at the age of 78 this week.

In aspeech delivered in 2016at the Republican National Convention, Melania noted that her childhood in present-day Slovenia influenced her later career in the fashion industry.

Amalija was a longtime patternmaker at a children’s clothing factory in Melania’s hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, who also sewed her daughters' clothes when they were younger, according toThe New York Times.

“[Amalija’s] neighbors observed that she paid considerable attention to her own appearance, chose her outfits carefully, and wore high heels when others sought the comfort of flats,” Caroli wrote inFirst Ladies. “When [her textile company] enlisted young girls as informal models for their latest children’s fashions, Amalija arranged for Melanija to walk the runway.”

A young Melania Trump (second from right) at a 1977 fashion show at the Slovenian textile factory where her mother worked for 33 years.STR/AFP via Getty

STR/AFP via Getty

A source close to the Trump family previously told PEOPLE that Amalija — who became a U.S. citizen alongside her husband, Viktor, in 2018 — was heavily involved in both her daughter and her grandsonBarron’s lives.

“[Amalija] has an excellent relationship with Melania and with Barron,” the source told PEOPLE. “They love her. She is unselfish and takes care of the family. Melania has always been super good with her mom as well as Barron.”

Barron Trump , President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and her mother Amalija Knavs.Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images)

Olivier Douliery/ Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images)

The source added that Barron, in particular, had grown close to Amalija — particularly as she and Viktor, 79, had been living at Mar-a-Lago in recent years, where the Trumps also reside.

“There have been times when Barron has been with his grandparents more than with Melania, and a lot more than with Donald,” the source said.

Melania announced her mother’s death on social media Tuesday evening. “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija,” the former first lady wrote in a statement onX, formerly known as Twitter.

“Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy,” the statement continued.

source: people.com