New York's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has been a prominent figure since his election, and now his wife is garnering attention and admiration for her unique fashion choices. Rama Duwaji's husband, Zohran Mamdani, was sworn in as the Mayor of New York last week. Rama attended the inauguration with a chic yet unconventional flair; she didn’t choose her clothes but rented them for the occasion. This powerful statement has been widely discussed on social media, as it sends an impactful message to the fashion industry.
Source: aajtak
What Did Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji Wear?
Zohran Mamdani opted for an all-black, formal look to take the oath as Mayor of New York. His attire consisted of a long black overcoat with a white shirt and a dark-toned tie underneath. Completing his minimalistic and professional ensemble were formal black trousers and polished black shoes.
Rama Duwaji similarly embraced the black palette but with a touch of understated elegance. Her structured blazer-style outfit, characterized by clean cuts and simple design, was paired with black boots and minimal accessories. Remarkably, from the coat to her jewelry, everything Rama wore was rented.
Conveying Sustainability with Rented Fashion
At her husband's inauguration, Rama wore a vintage Balenciaga coat, rented from the Albright Fashion Library. Her gold earrings, hailing from the 1980s, were sourced from New York Vintage. Rama styled her look with wide-leg shorts from The Frankie Shop and lace-up boots from Miista, both rented as well.
Source: aajtak
According to her stylist, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Rama frequently embraces thrift shopping and second-hand fashion. Thus, choosing rented attire for such a significant occasion was a natural reflection of her beliefs. With her look, Rama clearly communicated that looking good doesn’t require expensive new clothes.
Reviving Vintage Jewelry
Rama's 1980s gold earrings also captured attention. Shannon Hoey, founder of New York Vintage, noted that opting to rent rather than purchase jewelry demonstrates a thoughtful and resourceful approach to fashion.
Politically, Rama's choice aligns seamlessly, as Zohran campaigned as a Democratic Socialist. By opting for rented clothes and jewelry, Rama effectively sidestepped criticism over luxury fashion, promoting a perspective that blends style with responsibility.
