In September 1998, during New York Fashion Week, Melania Knauss met Donald Trump at a party hosted by Paolo Zampolli. Trump, despite being with Celina Midelfart, was immediately captivated by Melania.
Trump initiated a conversation, but Melania was unsure of who he was. At the time, Trump was still married to Marla Maples. He asked for her number, but she refused, offering him hers instead.
Their first date was unconventional. Trump took Melania to see a property he was considering buying in Bedford, New Jersey. This allowed them to talk for hours without distractions, a unique start to their relationship.