Victoria Silvstedt, the Swedish supermodel and former Playmate, has shared memories of her unexpected friendship with Melania Trump, whom she lived with in Paris during their early modelling days. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Silvstedt, now 51, described the future US First Lady as 'very sweet, down to earth, but also so determined'.
Silvstedt, who represented Sweden in the 1993 Miss World pageant and later modelled for Chanel and Dior, recalled the challenges they faced as young models in Paris. 'We just stuck together. We were very, very supportive of each other. We’d actually stay home most of the time,' she said. She noted Melania's 'Slavic determination' and her ambition to emulate Italian actress Sophia Loren.
The pair lost touch over the years, but Silvstedt said she ran into Melania once in New York before she became First Lady. 'She never thought ever that she would become a first lady, you know? It’s crazy. But she’s a strong woman, and very loving,' Silvstedt added.
Silvstedt also reflected on her time at the Playboy Mansion after being invited by Hugh Hefner. She became Playmate of the Month in December 1996 and Playmate of the Year in 1997. 'My time there was super chill. I was living in the guest house. I was there for work and shoots and movie nights, and then we'd have the wild parties, obviously. But in my experience, Hugh was always the utmost gentleman,' she said.
