As New York City welcomed in 2026, they also welcomed in Zohran Mamdani, their new Democratic Socialist mayor. His inauguration being on New Years Eve feels fitting, like with the new year comes a new brand of hope, felt by those previously āforgottenā in New York, but also internationally by people who have seen that change is possible now. Mamdaniās mayoral campaign was one not seen before. He resonated with young and old, appealing to the city through boots on the ground promotion that created a relatable image that people feel they can trust. And at his side through it all was Rama Duwaji, his wife and the new First Lady of New York.
Duwaji herself is a celebrated Syrian animator, illustrator, and ceramist. She has had illustrations featured in major publications such as The New Yorker, and in prestigious venues such as the Tate Modern. She has described art and drawing as her āsolaceā, which is perhaps why itās so evident to anyone who watched the inauguration, saw her shoot with The Cut, or obsessed over the couples wedding photos how her creative passion translates into her style and how she presents herself.
At only 28 years old, Rama Duwaji is now the youngest and first Gen Z First Lady of New York, creating a new image of political spouses. Her personal style is one of individuality, focusing on ensuring her personality and connection to the arts shine through, and the night of the midnight swearing-in was no different. At the Old City Hall station, Duwaji radiated elegance and regality whilst ensuring she showed up as her truest self, despite being styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. In a long vintage Balenciaga coat, rented from Albright Fashion Library, and archival earrings also rented from New York Vintage, Duwaji was the main event for the fashion girlies. The outfit was completed with the most amazing boots from Miista, on loan of course.
Karefa-Johnson had one main goal she swore to stick to when she was asked to style the couple for the biggest event of their lives so far: Duwaji has ātaste and a sense of style that predates this inaugurationā and therefore preserving that was the primary intention behind the outfit. For the morning after, Duwaji chose a coat designed by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej. The coat tells a story of the strength of women and community, made in Lebanon by Lebanese women, a family affair in the form of fashion revolution. Representation matters and has always matters. Mamdaniās election as mayor proves that, and Rama Duwaji next to him only further communicates their commitment to this message.
One important thing to note is Duwajiās commitment to wearing sustainable, humanizing, and culturally significant pieces. Her style has intention and is rooted in the same beliefs that Mamdani built his platform on, only further proving why the people of New York trust them. Right-wing media has made attempt after attempt to belittle their actions, trying to instil distrust within the nation. The New York post drew attention to the Miista boots she wore, calling out the fact they cost $630, which they weaponised against the couple as going against the platform they stand on. It is times like this we must consider what the true intention behind these types of articles are. Earlier this month we saw how The Cut specified in their photoshoot with Duwaji which items used were on loan, something not usually done but a proactive move to hopefully counter the scrutiny that New Yorkās new power couple are undoubtedly under. Media literacy is steadily declining but we must acknowledge how these platforms intend to sway views and put forth intentions that have no factual background. The boots were loaned, meaning they will be returned and cycled back into the fashion realm, a true signifier of sustainability. The last thing we want is these powerful public figures stepping out in fast-fashion articles of clothingā¦
I am big on the āletās not idolise politiciansā train, at the end of the day they are not celebrities, they have the power to change our lives and thatās not always something that should be celebrated. However, I also will not sit back and allow unnecessary scrutiny when people like Melania Trump have bag collections worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet someone who engages in sustainable fashion practices faces backlash that risk damaging the good they do as a whole. I, for one, am cautiously optimistic of what Mamdaniās election means to New York but also political systems globally, and I cannot wait to see what Rama Duwaji does next; artistically, fashion-wise, and politically.