The Rama Duwaji Aesthetic, Explained
“The Rama Duwaji aesthetic needs to be studied.”
So we studied it.
Ever since Rama Duwaji joined Mayor Zohran Mamdani the night of his victory speech on November 4, 2025, she’s been impossible not to follow along. Not simply because of her proximity to power, but because of how every one of her looks seems to tell a story.
The Syrian illustrator and animator from Houston, Texas, has quietly entered the public eye, then suddenly she was everywhere. Now, as the First Lady of NYC, she’s also become one of our emerging fashion icons of 2026. If you’ve found yourself equally obsessed with Duwaji’s style as we are, here’s a closer look at her aesthetic, explained.
A Bold Wing
Duwaji has long been a lover of a bold wing. The look is clean, sharply defined, and enhances Duwaji’s eye shape in the best way possible.
What makes it feel so modern is its consistency. Rather than cycling through various eye makeup looks, Duwaji has treated her bold wing like a signature. While it may look minimal, it feels like a statement.
Gold Jewelry, Always
We’re certain Duwaji can pull off silver jewelry if she ever desires, but gold clearly reigns supreme for her. She tends to wear more neutral shades, so the gold acts as a contrast, adding the perfect warmth to her outfits.
Beyond aesthetics, Duwaji seems to choose jewelry that reflects her values. These Bhavya Ramesh earrings have become a staple in her collection, as she’s been spotted wearing them on multiple occasions. Bhavya Ramesh Jewelry themselves are rooted in the values of Indian culture. They support local artisans who craft each piece with attention to detail, ensuring their jewelry remains cherished and passed down.
Further, gold jewelry feels exactly aligned with Duwaji’s taste: timeless and grounded. Similar to her classic bold wing, the gold suggests permanence, like something that will return every season rather than be replaced.
Vintage Chic
There’s nothing we love more than secondhand shopping — and in the case of Duwaji during Mamdani’s midnight swearing-in — renting. Duwaji wore a vintage Balenciaga coat from Albright Fashion Library and archival earrings from New York Vintage, both of which were rented for the occasion.
The couple’s stylist of the night, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, reveals Duwaji is a frequent thrifter. Renting second-life fashion for the momentous event was a decision that felt the most authentic to Duwaji and her personal style.
It seems Duwaji carries a special understanding of clothes as artifacts, rather than disposable trends. With that, renting these pieces proves her style preference to be intentional and lived-in.
Boots for Every Occasion
It became evident to us that Duwaji’s footwear of choice were boots after seeing her and Mamdani’s wedding photos. They appear again and again on her Instagram, all worn with confidence, regardless of setting.
We especially love the sleek and pointed Miista boots she wore during Mamdani’s inauguration. The London-born footwear brand, which is committed to a slower, more intentional business model, works with local artisans and sources materials with the lowest possible carbon footprint.
What makes this staple so compelling is how adaptable she makes it feel. From every day to wedding day, her boots are always undeniably stylish and add a subtle edge to all her looks. And her consistent return to this silhouette reflects a clear value for practicality over sacrificing individuality.
Dressing Intentionally
There’s a reason behind every one of Duwaji’s outfits, and to us, that’s the heart of her aesthetic. Take Mamdani’s Inauguration ceremony, for example: Duwaji wore a reimagined piece from Palestinian Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej of Renaissance Renaissance.
Renaissance Renaissance redefines occasionwear, celebrating the complexities of the modern woman through rich craftsmanship. On her first day as First Lady of NYC, Duwaji chose to represent the work of a small, independent, Middle Eastern designer, a nod to her Syrian roots and her long standing advocacy for the region. It was a form of representation, a way to center voices or craft that are too often overlooked.
On another account, during Mamdani’s electoral party, Duwaji wore a black denim top from Palestinian designer Zeid Hijazi. Hijazi’s work is a celebration of his Palestinian heritage and a deep fascination with Arab subcultures. By wearing a label so rooted in identity, Duwaji aligns herself with designers who use clothing as a form of storytelling.
Duwaji’s aesthetic is impossible to ignore. It feels personal and incredibly chic, but what makes it most fascinating is how much it says without having to say an actual word. Every detail of her look is an act of storytelling and a reminder that style can carry purpose and activism.
For those of you interested in dressing with purpose this year, Duwaji is a style icon worth watching, studying, and yes, obsessing over.
Like Duwaji, Team EnVi is all about highlighting the BIPOC community, from designers to creators to businesses. Read what BIPOC brands we’re eyeing for the New Year here!
