How Rama Duwaji is masterfully playing politics through fashion and art
Rama Duwaji has recently gained notoriety due to her husband Zohran Mamdani being elected as the newest mayor of New York City. Being married to the mayor of a large city brings public attention, but Duwaji is capitalizing on this publicity by bringing her politics into her artwork and fashion choices.
Besides being NYC’s first lady, Duwaji is an illustrator and animator, using her art to make clear political statements. She has worked with large companies such as the BBC, animating for the story “Who Killed My Grandfather” which follows a reporter investigating the assasination of her grandfather, who was the former foreign minister of the Yemen Arab Republic. Aligning herself with a story of this nature emphasizes her aversion towards political violence. Duwaji also advocates for causes through her own personal artistry posted to her website and Instagram. Her stylized art features stories of Palestinians affected by the Israeli conflict and quotes such as “sooner or later people will rise against tyranny.” Duwaji’s continued pursuit of political art and advocation solidifies the separation of her identity from her husband’s mayoral position. VHS alumni and Vita Art Center teacher, Wren Stepan, said, “Art plays, and has always played, an incredibly important role in politics and activism. Political cartoons, propaganda posters, presidential portraits, historical murals and so many other forms of creative media are used to send easily understandable messages. When it comes to the Mamdani campaign, even the graphics communicate that his candidacy was unique and embraced a more soulful and welcoming appearance. Duwaji also positively impacted my view of Mamdani’s campaign through her own creative work. She has been wearing Palestinian-designed fashion to important political events which is its own clear message. Her photoshoot with The Cut was fantastic, and as an artist myself, it brings me joy to see another creative in such an influential political position.”
Fashion and style of first ladies is a part of American politics and Duwaji has made fashion statements with political undertones. For her husband’s private inauguration ceremony that was held in the former City Hall subway station, Duwaji went for a vintage minimalist look featuring a Balenciaga wool coat, wide leg shorts from The Frankie Shop and vintage sculptural gold earrings. The Balenciaga coat she wore was rented from the Albright Fashion library, the earrings were rented as well from New York Vintage and her Miista boots were on loan. These rented pieces intertwined sustainability and fashion. Pedro Ibarraran ‘27 said, “First Ladies are always in the public eye. What they wear represents the country in a way and can show respect, culture or support for different communities. People pay attention to their outfits so it becomes part of politics. Looks are good when it is confident, matches the vibe and when it means something. It breaks when it looks forced, messy or doesn’t fit the person wearing it. If you don’t feel confident in it, it won’t really work.”
Another fashion choice by Duwaji was her custom coat made by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej which was worn during the public inauguration. In addition, Duwaji wore a top by Palestinian designer Zeid Hijazi for Mandami’s election night speech. These fashion choices represent Middle Eastern designers on both the political and fashion stage as she incorporates her personal style with her focus on social Justice in the Middle East.
The “Rama cut” referencing Duwaji’s hair is another part of the first lady’s style. Considered a “bixie,” not a bob but not a pixie, the 90’s hair featured on Winona Ryder, Princess Diana and Gwyneth Paltrow is trending as of Jan. Duwaji is a modern high profile figure associated with the hair. Considered a “fresh face in America’s political landscape” according to Women.com Duwaji’s makeup consists of a natural look including eyeliner, mascara and blush. Duwaji applies her makeup to her waterline and sometimes she applies it as a small cat eye. For the public inauguration she wore a berry lipstick shade.
