Zohran Mamdani made history this week by winning the mayoral race in New York City, breaking records and capturing the attention of the world. Alongside him, his wife Rama Duwaji, an artist, stepped into the spotlight for the first time. While some keen-eyed Vogue readers may recognize her work from a recent Fashion Month feature highlighting top garment workers, Duwaji’s own sense of style and beauty stole the show at the campaign’s election party.
For the momentous occasion, Duwaji donned a top by Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi and a skirt from Ulla Johnson. However, it was her unique hairstyle that sparked a frenzy on social media. With her dark chocolate hair cut into a bixie (a blend between a bob and pixie cut) with microbangs, Duwaji’s look was both chic and edgy. Styled by Xavier Velasquez and with makeup by Aya Tariq using KJH, Duwaji exuded a sense of effortless cool that perfectly complemented her role as the future first lady of New York City.
Velasquez revealed that Duwaji had actually trimmed her own bangs on the morning of Election Day, creating a look that was a bit of a pixie but had grown into its own unique shape. He aimed to enhance her natural beauty without making her appear too polished or stereotypical of a politician’s wife. Drawing inspiration from icons like Audrey Hepburn, Taylor Russell, and Yellowstone’s Kelsey Asbille, Velasquez crafted a hairstyle that perfectly captured Duwaji’s artistic and independent spirit.
As Duwaji and Mamdani step into their new roles, all eyes are on the stylish couple as they bring a fresh perspective to the political landscape of New York City. With Duwaji’s effortless style and creative flair, she is sure to make a lasting impression as she navigates her new role as the first lady of the city that never sleeps.
