Ivana Trump: A Remarkable Life from Young Model to Business Icon

The name Ivana Trump is synonymous with elegance, resilience, and ambition. As a world-class athlete, a sought-after model, and a powerful businesswoman, Ivana’s life story is one of determination, glamour, and reinvention. She was not only known for her role as the first wife of Donald Trump but also for carving her own empire and legacy. In this article, we explore who Ivana Trump was, her career beginnings as a young model, her marriages and relationships—including her first husband Alfred Winklmayr—her height, age, birthday, her tragic death, and the indelible mark she left on fashion, business, and pop culture.

Early Life and Background

Ivana Trump was born Ivana Marie Zelníčková on February 20, 1949, in the industrial town of Zlín, in what was then Czechoslovakia. Her father, Miloš, recognized her natural athletic abilities early on and encouraged her to take up skiing. Ivana became a competitive skier, earning a place on the junior national ski team. This sporting background would instill in her a strong sense of discipline and competitive spirit that would later define her career.

Growing up during the Cold War in a communist country, Ivana yearned for greater opportunities. Her path out of Czechoslovakia was unconventional and involved a strategic marriage that would change her life forever.

The Marriage to Alfred Winklmayr

In the early 1970s, Ivana married Alfred Winklmayr, an Austrian ski instructor and friend. This marriage was reportedly arranged so she could obtain Austrian citizenship and leave Czechoslovakia without defecting—a move that was nearly impossible during that era. The marriage was not romantic in nature and was later annulled, but it provided Ivana the freedom to travel, first to Canada and later to the United States.

Ivana Trump as a Young Model

After relocating to Canada, Ivana worked as a ski instructor in Montreal while pursuing modeling opportunities. Her tall frame—standing approximately 5 ft 11 in (180–182 cm)—blonde hair, and European elegance quickly caught the attention of fashion agencies. She began appearing in fashion magazines, on runways, and in promotional campaigns, especially for winter and luxury brands.

In the mid-1970s, Ivana traveled to New York for a modeling assignment. It was during one of these trips that fate brought her into contact with real estate mogul Donald Trump.

Marriage to Donald Trump and Rise in Business

Ivana met Donald Trump in 1976 at an upscale Manhattan restaurant. The pair married in 1977 in a lavish ceremony, marking the beginning of a high-profile partnership. Together, they became one of New York’s most glamorous power couples during the 1980s.

Within the Trump Organization, Ivana took on significant executive roles:

• Vice President of Interior Design: Oversaw the iconic gold-and-marble aesthetics of Trump Tower.

• President of Trump’s Castle Casino Hotel: Managed the Atlantic City property with a keen business sense.

• Manager of the Plaza Hotel: Restored and rebranded the historic Manhattan landmark.

Her role in the business went beyond mere symbolism—Ivana was deeply involved in decision-making and project execution, earning respect in a male-dominated industry.

Children and Family Life

Ivana and Donald had three children:

1. Donald Trump Jr. – Born December 31, 1977.

2. Ivanka Trump – Born October 30, 1981.

3. Eric Trump – Born January 6, 1984.

She was known for her strict yet loving parenting style, instilling in her children the same values of discipline and hard work that she had learned growing up.

Divorce from Donald Trump

In 1992, Ivana and Donald Trump divorced after a highly publicized separation that captivated tabloid headlines. Despite the personal upheaval, Ivana emerged from the divorce financially secure and with a renewed sense of independence. She once famously quipped in the movie The First Wives Club: “Don’t get mad, get everything.”

Later Marriages and Relationships

Following her marriage to Donald Trump, Ivana wed Riccardo Mazzucchelli in 1995, though the marriage ended in 1997. In 2008, she married Rossano Rubicondi, an Italian actor and model, at a lavish ceremony hosted by Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. That marriage lasted less than a year, but Ivana and Rossano remained close until his passing in 2021.

Entrepreneurship and Writing Career

Post-divorce, Ivana leveraged her fame to build her own brand. She launched:

• Ivana Haute Couture: Fashion and fragrance lines sold through QVC and other retail channels.

• Ivana, Inc.: A company focusing on beauty and lifestyle products.

Ivana also became an author, penning:

• Fiction Novels: Such as For Love Alone and Free to Love.

• Autobiography: Raising Trump (2017), detailing her life, business career, and approach to motherhood.

Physical Appearance and Style

Ivana Trump’s height—reported between 5 ft 11 in and 6 ft—made her an ideal model. She maintained a slim figure, weighing approximately 57–59 kg (125–130 lbs) during her modeling career. Her style was often described as “Euro-glam,” favoring bold colors, statement jewelry, and perfectly coiffed blonde hair.

Ivana Trump’s Later Years

In her later years, Ivana split her time between New York City and Europe. She remained a socialite, regularly attending events and charity functions. She also enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren, often posting about family gatherings and vacations.

Death and Legacy

On July 14, 2022, Ivana Trump was found dead at her Manhattan townhouse. She was 73 years old. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be blunt force injuries to the torso from an accidental fall down a staircase.

Her passing prompted tributes from around the world. The Trump family released a statement describing her as “a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend.” Ivana’s life story continues to inspire women aiming to excel in both family and professional life.

Impact on Popular Culture

Ivana’s influence extended beyond business and fashion. She became a pop culture figure, appearing in television cameos, interviews, and films. Her strong accent, elegant demeanor, and straightforward manner made her a memorable public figure.

Final Thoughts

Ivana Trump’s journey from a small town in Czechoslovakia to the glitzy skyscrapers of New York is a testament to ambition and adaptability. She was more than just a famous ex-wife—she was a self-made success, an author, a mother, and a style icon. Her life encompassed love, loss, reinvention, and triumph.

At megacine, we celebrate figures like Ivana Trump who, regardless of the challenges they face, create their own legacy through talent, resilience, and vision.