Rama Duwaji’s understated style draws attention at Zohran Mamdani’s NYC inauguration
TOI GLOBAL | Jan 02, 2026, 17:04 IST
As Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on New Year’s Day, attention extended beyond the historic ceremony to Rama Duwaji, the city’s new first lady, whose modern and art-inspired style made a quiet yet striking impression. The 28-year-old Syrian-American illustrator appeared at City Hall in thoughtfully curated looks that balanced elegance, restraint, and creative expression, aligning with her reputation for understated fashion rooted in the art world.
As Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on New Year’s Day, attention wasn’t only on the historic moment it was also on Rama Duwaji, the city’s new first lady, whose understated, art-world style quietly stole the spotlight.
Duwaji, a 28-year-old Syrian-American illustrator, appeared at City Hall in a brown coat featuring a striking three-tier fringe detail, blending elegance with creative flair. Earlier in the day, she stood beside Mamdani holding two Qurans as he took the oath of office just after midnight, dressed in a minimalist black coat, a knee-length black outfit, ankle boots and sculptural gold statement earrings. Her look was restrained yet expressive, perfectly aligned with her reputation for modern, thoughtful fashion.
Since Mamdani’s election, Duwaji has continued to defy expectations of what a political first lady should look like. Rather than opting for traditional or overtly formal attire, she favors clean silhouettes, modern textures and pieces rooted in the creative world. In a recent interview with The Cut, Duwaji shared that fashion is a form of self-expression for her, saying she enjoys styling outfits and putting meaningful looks together.
Her style has already become recognizable online. During Mamdani’s victory speech in November, she stood beside him wearing a dark denim square-neck top by Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi, paired with a black Ulla Johnson skirt and bold dangling earrings by New York City designer Eddie Borgo. The outfit reflected both cultural awareness and contemporary design a theme that has become central to her public image.
Duwaji and Mamdani first met in March 2021 on the dating app Hinge, back when Mamdani was a state assemblyman. She later described the meeting as an unexpected but welcome turn during what she jokingly called her “hot-girl summer.” The connection quickly grew into a partnership that now places her in one of the most visible roles in American civic life.
Mamdani’s inauguration itself was historic. He became the 112th mayor of New York City and the first Muslim and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. By taking his oath on the Quran, he also became the first NYC mayor to do so. His swearing-in ceremony included notable figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, marking a symbolic moment for progressive politics in the city.
As New York enters a new political chapter, Rama Duwaji’s presence signals a reimagining of what a first lady can be creative, modern, culturally rooted and unapologetically herself. In a city shaped by art, fashion and individuality, her quiet confidence feels exactly at home.
Duwaji, a 28-year-old Syrian-American illustrator, appeared at City Hall in a brown coat featuring a striking three-tier fringe detail, blending elegance with creative flair. Earlier in the day, she stood beside Mamdani holding two Qurans as he took the oath of office just after midnight, dressed in a minimalist black coat, a knee-length black outfit, ankle boots and sculptural gold statement earrings. Her look was restrained yet expressive, perfectly aligned with her reputation for modern, thoughtful fashion.
Since Mamdani’s election, Duwaji has continued to defy expectations of what a political first lady should look like. Rather than opting for traditional or overtly formal attire, she favors clean silhouettes, modern textures and pieces rooted in the creative world. In a recent interview with The Cut, Duwaji shared that fashion is a form of self-expression for her, saying she enjoys styling outfits and putting meaningful looks together.
Her style has already become recognizable online. During Mamdani’s victory speech in November, she stood beside him wearing a dark denim square-neck top by Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi, paired with a black Ulla Johnson skirt and bold dangling earrings by New York City designer Eddie Borgo. The outfit reflected both cultural awareness and contemporary design a theme that has become central to her public image.
Duwaji and Mamdani first met in March 2021 on the dating app Hinge, back when Mamdani was a state assemblyman. She later described the meeting as an unexpected but welcome turn during what she jokingly called her “hot-girl summer.” The connection quickly grew into a partnership that now places her in one of the most visible roles in American civic life.
Mamdani’s inauguration itself was historic. He became the 112th mayor of New York City and the first Muslim and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. By taking his oath on the Quran, he also became the first NYC mayor to do so. His swearing-in ceremony included notable figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, marking a symbolic moment for progressive politics in the city.
As New York enters a new political chapter, Rama Duwaji’s presence signals a reimagining of what a first lady can be creative, modern, culturally rooted and unapologetically herself. In a city shaped by art, fashion and individuality, her quiet confidence feels exactly at home.