Long before occupying the Oval Office, Donald Trump graced the pages of one of America's most controversial publications in a feature that's largely faded from public memory. The 1990 Playboy magazine spread presents a strikingly different image of the future president, showcasing his lavish lifestyle and media savvy during his early celebrity years.
The Manhattan Mogul and the Playboy Bunny
In October 1990, Playboy readers encountered a surprising centrepiece: property tycoon Donald Trump photographed alongside Canadian model Lisa Fallon, who was dressed in full bunny attire. The feature, shot at Trump's iconic Plaza Hotel, presented the businessman as the epitome of 1980s excess and Manhattan high society.
The forgotten spread reveals Trump at a pivotal moment in his career, navigating both business challenges and growing media fame. His participation in the Playboy feature demonstrated his understanding of brand building and celebrity culture long before his political ambitions took centre stage.
Lisa Fallon: The Woman Beside Trump
Lisa Fallon, then a 22-year-old model from Ontario, became an unexpected part of Trump's narrative. Selected as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for October 1990, her pairing with Trump created a memorable visual contrast between established wealth and emerging beauty.
Fallon's subsequent career took her away from the spotlight, with the model eventually leaving the entertainment industry altogether. Her brief intersection with Trump's world remains a curious footnote in both their histories.
A Time Capsule of Pre-Political Trump
The Playboy appearance captures Trump during what might be called his 'celebrity businessman' phase. This period saw him regularly appearing in tabloids, television shows, and magazines, building the public persona that would later form the foundation of his political brand.
The feature highlights several key aspects of Trump's pre-presidential image:
- His mastery of media attention and self-promotion
- The carefully cultivated image of wealth and success
- His comfort with controversial and attention-grabbing venues
- The blurring lines between business, celebrity, and eventually politics
Why This Chapter Faded From Memory
As Trump's political career advanced, this Playboy feature largely disappeared from public discussion. The contrast between the provocative magazine spread and the gravitas expected of presidential candidates likely contributed to its obscurity in recent years.
Yet the rediscovery of these images provides valuable context for understanding Trump's long history with media manipulation and image crafting. The 1990 Playboy feature represents just one of many unconventional media appearances throughout his career.
This forgotten chapter offers fascinating insight into how Trump built his public persona over decades, using various media platforms to shape his image long before entering the political arena.
