Throughout the Trump presidency, Amalija Knavs — mother to first lady Melania Trump — was something of a mysterious figure. Mrs. Knavs, who died earlier this week, rarely made public comments or gave interviews. Striking and perfectly coifed, Mrs. Knavs was a recurring but almost entirely silent presence during the Trump presidency, much like her daughter.
Mrs. Knavs and her husband Victor appeared often in the background of photos of the first family, accompanying them on trips to places like Camp David or Mar-a-Lago, and attending special events. And there’s something startling, even uncanny about photos containing both the Trumps and the Knaves: The two couples look like mirror images of each other. Mr. Trump and Mr. Knavs, just two years apart in age, have similar physiques and stature — even hair styles.
As for the women, Mrs. Trump seems to have inherited Mrs. Knavs’s high cheekbones, slightly square jaw, wide-set almond-shaped eyes, dark hair and photogenic smile. But that’s just genetics. More striking is the similarity of their styles. As numerous photos demonstrate, the two women tended to dress alike — in fitted sheaths or belted dresses, solid color pantsuits, stilettoes and shades. The look is sophisticated and elegant, if also somewhat constricting and self-contained.
