Victoria Silvstedt, the Swedish supermodel and former Playmate, has shared exclusive insights into her friendship with Melania Trump and her time at the Playboy Mansion. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, the 51-year-old reflected on her rollercoaster career and her bond with the former flatmate who would become America's First Lady.
Early Days in Paris
Silvstedt recalled sharing a flat in Paris with Melania Trump, then a young model from Slovenia. "We just stuck together. We were very, very supportive of each other," she said. "Melania was very sweet, down to earth, but also so determined. She really wanted to make it. She has that very Slavic determination." The two would often stay home, with Melania encouraging them to run up stairs to burn calories after tuna salads. "I remember her saying one day, 'I want to be like Sofia Loren'. Look at her now, she does look like her. Her beauty is off-the-scale." Though they are no longer in touch, Silvstedt described Melania's journey as "incredible" and praised her as a "strong woman, and very loving."
Playboy Mansion Memories
After her early modelling success, Silvstedt caught the attention of Hugh Hefner and became Playboy's Playmate of the Month in December 1996 and Playmate of the Year in 1997. She briefly lived at the famous Playboy Mansion, where she enjoyed a "super chill" experience. "It was not only me, but a lot of wild animals!" she joked. "When I was there, Mr. Hefner was still married to Kimberly, and I arrived at the Playboy Mansion. I was greeted by her saying, 'Welcome to the Playboy Mansion.'" She described her time there as filled with work, shoots, movie nights, and wild parties, but emphasized that Hefner was always "the utmost gentleman." "I have only great happy memories. It was a fun vibe, it was before social media. Everyone was just enjoying themselves. It was a different time."
A Glamorous Career
Silvstedt's career spans modelling for top fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Armani, as well as acting roles in Melrose Place and the comedy Boat Trip alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Roger Moore. She also worked with Cindy Crawford on a Christmas film in Italy. "Cindy was a dream - she is so beautiful, so sweet." Her television work took her to Italy and France, where she learned new languages. "I'm proud of conquering different languages - it's the same with French, all my work out there."
Life in Monaco and Ageless Secrets
Now based in Monaco, Silvstedt enjoys a balanced lifestyle with a Mediterranean diet and plenty of outdoor activities. She credits her mother's DNA and a childlike drive for her ageless looks. "I think I still tap into a childlike quality. I think that's very important to hold onto." She admires Elizabeth Hurley as her idol. Reflecting on her life, she said, "I've always been a rebel. I do what I want to do, and I deal with consequences. When people say no, I say go!"
