On January 1, 2026, Rama Duwaji, 28, officially became the first lady of New York City as her husband, Zohran Mamdani, was sworn in as the city’s first Muslim mayor. While the historic nature of the ceremony was the focus of the headlines, Duwaji’s “art-world chic” wardrobe and professional pedigree as an award-winning illustrator have signaled that she will be anything but a traditional political spouse.
The Inaugural Looks: A Masterclass in Purposeful Styling
Duwaji, who is styled by Bailey Moon (the same creative behind former U.S. First Lady Jill Biden), used her clothing to bridge the gap between high fashion and political activism.
- The Private Midnight Ceremony: Held in a disused subway station beneath City Hall, the couple chose sleek black ensembles. Duwaji wore a funnel-neck vintage Balenciaga coat sourced from the Albright Fashion Library, paired with sustainable lace-up boots by Miista.
- The Public Swearing-In: For the afternoon ceremony, she swapped black for a custom Renaissance, Renaissance coat in chocolate brown. Designed by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej, the piece featured three-tiered faux fur fringe, creating a “winter dress” silhouette that social media users quickly dubbed “modernist royalty.”
- The “Hinge” Effect: During the ceremony, Mamdani took his oath on two Qurans held by Duwaji—a symbolic moment for a couple who famously met on the dating app Hinge in 2021.
Beyond the Wardrobe: A Professional Powerhouse
Duwaji has been clear that she does not want to be defined solely as “the Mayor’s wife.” She is an accomplished animator, illustrator, and ceramist whose work explores themes of displacement, Syrian identity, and sisterhood.
| Career Highlight | Description |
| Prestigious Clients | Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, and Spotify. |
| Fine Art | Her ceramics and illustrations have been exhibited at the Tate Modern in London and solo shows in Beirut. |
| Academic Background | Holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. |
| Political Visuals | She played a key role in designing the visual identity of Mamdani’s mayoral campaign. |
Redefining the Role for Gen Z
As the first Gen Z first lady of New York, Duwaji’s approach is rooted in circular fashion (renting and thrifting) and supporting small-batch designers. Her signature look—often featuring a black turtleneck and a sharp pixie cut—has already sparked a trend dubbed “The Rama” in New York salons.
Despite her sudden fame, Duwaji remains focused on her mission: “I’m not a politician,” she told The Cut. “I’m here to be a support system for Z and to use the role in the best way that I can as an artist to spotlight overlooked creatives.”