Rama Duwaji Steps Out Wearing A Palestinian-Lebanese Designer For Her First Day As New York’s First Lady

Rama Duwaji made a quietly powerful fashion statement as she stepped out for her first official day as New York’s First Lady following the inauguration of her husband, Zohran Mamdani, as the new mayor of the city.

The Syrian-American artist opted to wear a look by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej of Renaissance, Renaissance.

The coat was a custom piece for Rama and was designed in Beirut. Per Cynthia herself, the coat was made from faux fur and wool, based on a design from her FW23 collection.

According to the 28-year-old’s stylist, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, her fashion choice “sends a message”.

“On her first official day as first lady of New York, Rama is wearing a small, independent woman designer from the Middle East,” the stylist wrote of Rama’s inaugural day as NYC’s First Lady. “That representation resonates. It reverberates. Because fashion communicates. It sends a message.”

Known for her creative background and subsequently her eye for design, her decision to spotlight a Middle Eastern designer is not only a nod to her regional heritage but also champions the power of independent fashion voices.

And it’s not the first time she’s championed regional talent in her dressing. At a previous public appearance, Duwaji wore a piece by Palestinian-Jordanian label Zeid Hijazi.

History was made in New York City back in November when Zohran Mamdani became the first-ever Muslim mayor of the Big Apple, carving a new wave for politics and progression in the US hub. It also makes way for Rama as the new First Lady of NYC.

You may have first heard her name as Zohran’s wife, but to those who’ve followed her journey, Rama has always been a creative force in her own right. A Syrian-American artist, illustrator, and ceramicist, she was born in Houston to Syrian parents, raised between the GCC in Dubai and the US.