NYC’s First Lady Rama Duwaji Rubs Shoulders With ‘Vogue’ Stylist at New York Fashion Week

Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was spotted sitting front row at New York Fashion Week over the weekend, and it marked one of her most high profile appearances since her husband took office.

Duwaji, 28, attended the Diotima show on Sunday, February 15, where she sat next to model Joan Smalls and Vogue stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. In the pictures shared by the New York Post on Monday, February 16, Duwaji wore a cream and brown checked coat layered over a tan trench that she paired with knee high boots.

While Duwaji has built a career as an illustrator and visual artist with a large social media following, she’s mostly kept a low profile when it comes to socializing in political circles.

Mamdani has only been in office since January 1, and the attention around him and his family has continued to increase. However, Duwaji has seemingly opted to stay out of the political spotlight. Instead, she’s remained focused on her work as an artist.

“At the end of the day, I’m not a politician. I’m here to be a support system for Z and to use the role in the best way that I can as an artist,” Duwaji told The Cut in an interview published on December 23. “There are so many artists trying to make it in the city — so many talented, undiscovered artists making the work with no instant validation, using their last paycheck on material, I think using this position to highlight them and give them a platform is a top priority.”