The new year in New York began with a ceremony rich in political, cultural, and stylistic symbolism. The city’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, made history as the first Muslim to hold the office and also as the first mayor whose partner belongs to Generation Z.
One of the most talked-about figures of the inauguration was artist and illustrator Rama Duwaji. Her personal style—defined by dark tones, contemporary silhouettes, and a preference for niche, mid-priced brands—has long attracted the attention of fashion media as a clear reflection of her generation.
The first part of the ceremony took place at the City Hall subway station. For the occasion, Duwaji wore a look curated by fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. The ensemble featured a vintage black coat by Balenciaga, cycling shorts from The Frankie Shop, and statement boots by Spanish footwear label Miista. Jewelry was loaned by New York–based vintage showroom New York Vintage.
During the oath-taking, Mamdani pledged his office before New York Attorney General Letitia James, swearing on his grandfather’s Quran. He wore a suit and tie by Kartik Research, reinforcing the ceremony’s layered narrative of identity and modern politics.
Founded in 2010 by Galician designer Laura Villasenín, Miista operates with its design studio in London while manufacturing traditionally in Alicante. This year, marking its 15th anniversary, the brand opened its first factory near A Coruña, expanding its Spanish production footprint. Miista currently runs stores in London, Barcelona, Paris, and New York, alongside global pop-up activations.
Following the indoor ceremony, a second outdoor event required a wardrobe change. Duwaji opted for a high-neck, A-line coat by Palestinian designer Cynthia Merhej, founder of the Beirut-based label Renaissance Renaissance.
Rama Duwaji’s inauguration looks underscored how fashion, identity, and political values can intersect, offering a fresh visual language for a new era in New York politics.
