We all know the absolute feat of Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City campaign for mayor. Entering the race with less than 1% of support, he was an unlikely prospect, but he gained just over 50% of the votes for the win, making him New York City’s first Muslim mayor. It is an inspirational story and serves as a great representation for American immigrants. However, he is not the subject of this article. Rama Duwaji, Mamdani’s wife, is perhaps one of the most iconic first ladies of our time. An amazing artist with a vintage and unique fashion, Duwaji, even unknowingly, has done her part in setting herself and Mamdani’s campaign apart from those in the past.
Unlike many first ladies before her, Duwaji opted not to be in the spotlight at first. However, she was a quiet but driving force behind her husband’s campaign. Duwaji held an important role behind the scenes. She was part of the team finalizing Mamdani’s branding and identity; that would be the eye-catching, bold, orange and blue graphic design “Zohran for New York City” pictured below.
Born in 1997 in Houston, Texas to Syrian immigrant parents, Duwaji moved to Dubai when she was nine years old. She studied art at a satellite college of the University of Virginia in Qatar, but she later moved back to the United States to complete her degree. Attaining her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts, Duwaji became an illustrator, animator, and ceramicist, now based in Brooklyn. She has a strong focus on Middle Eastern themes and Arab identity, as well as representing women of color and community in her art. She has openly criticized the genocide in Gaza and ICE’s actions in the United States, and she conveys an essence of social justice throughout her work. Duwaji considers art as a tool “to speak up against political oppression and to fight for liberation.” Her illustrations have been featured in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and more.
In addition to her moving artwork, Duwaji has impeccable taste and style in her fashion. She avoids traditional Manhattan designers that many past New York City first ladies have associated with, and instead, she opts for independent New York designers and vintage. Her style is often very minimalist and edgy, but it also shows hints of cultural expression. Her election night denim top was created by Palestinian designer Zeid Hijazi; Duwaji utilizes her clothes to make political statements. Iconic. Complementing her clothing, Duwaji wears a signature black eyeliner and has a perfectly fitting bob haircut. In complete, Duwaji has an artistic and authentic style that sets her apart from the conventionally traditional political spouses seen elsewhere.
In closing, Rama Duwaji represents the best of the Gen Z name. She is thoughtful, unique, and a creative spirit. Even within a nationally recognized campaign, she has kept a private life and a quiet but firmly supportive presence within it all. She has her own individuality and independence from her husband. Her work is inspirational and provokes the questions needed within our society. From her artwork to her fashion to her attitude and outlook on life, Duwaji is an icon in every way.