“My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty,” declared Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday night after winning the New York City mayoral election. His decisive victory followed what former President Barack Obama called an “impressive campaign,” which secured him the Democratic nomination earlier this year. At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest mayor in a century—a Millennial significantly younger than his opponents, 71-year-old Republican Curtis Sliwa and 67-year-old former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after resigning in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations.

This was the most closely watched mayoral race in recent memory, drawing record turnout. Mamdani, who has represented Astoria in the New York State Assembly since 2021, will be the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor and the second Democratic Socialist after David Dinkins in 1990. His platform focused on expanding affordable housing, freezing rents, establishing city-run grocery stores, and making public buses free.

How do Mamdani and his 28-year-old wife, illustrator Rama Duwaji, differ from previous mayoral couples? Their clothing offers some clues. On election night, Mamdani wore his typical suit: slim-cut and well-tailored but not overly crisp, single-breasted and slightly wrinkled—the look of a working man who’s put in a full day.

“My personal style reflects who I am as a New Yorker,” Mamdani told GQ earlier this year. “As a politician, there’s also a certain formality to how I dress during the week. I have suits from stores and others I bought on 31st Avenue from street vendors—they all work.” He named Uniqlo as his favorite city store for its reliability, along with a military surplus shop in Astoria. Unlike many politicians, he doesn’t wear a flashy watch, sporting instead a Casio timepiece gifted by his wife.

Duwaji chose an elegant top with jacquard details by London-based Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi, whose work draws from “Palestinian folklore, rebellion, and Arab futurism,” paired with a velvet and lace skirt by New York designer Ulla Johnson, known for her bohemian style. She completed the look with black kitten-heel boots and earrings by American jeweler Eddie Borgo, a 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. Overall, she appeared as herself—a creative young woman in her twenties wearing her generation’s version of professional attire, without the traditional pantsuits or sleeveless dresses, at least for now.

Why focus on their clothing? After the 2024 presidential election, the debate over whether politicians’ attire matters seems largely resolved. It does matter because clothing and personal style reflect our values, priorities, and, yes, our political leanings. Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently explored this theme in her book, The Look.

Duwaji will need to navigate her fashion choices carefully, as they send messages in multiple directions. Mamdani has faced criticism, often tinged with bigotry and Islamophobia, for his support of Palestinian rights, despite his repeated condemnations of antisemitism. By wearing a Palestinian designer on election night, Duwaji aligned herself with her husband’s politics and opened herself to similar scrutiny.

She may also encounter questions like those her husband faced during the campaign—about their spending habits and why they live in a rent-stabilized apartment. In short, Duwaji will have to ensure that her clothing choicesHer views align with Mamdani’s principles—yet being a democratic socialist doesn’t prevent her from acknowledging an industry that is so vital to this city. By sitting in the front row at Rachel Scott’s Diotima show in September, she demonstrated her support for a brand with deep roots in New York’s Garment District.

My prediction is that Duwaji will follow the trends of her fashionable peers and favor vintage pieces, second-hand shopping, and up-and-coming or independent designers. Will she wear clothes from designers who backed the Cuomo campaign? Probably not. And would she choose those established luxury brands regardless? I doubt it. Instead, she’s more inclined to support the same group of New Yorkers who have rallied behind Mamdani: the progressive, liberal, or left-leaning designers who help define the city’s unique character.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the fashion choices of New York Citys newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 Who are Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji
Zohran Mamdani is a newly elected official in New York City government His wife Rama Duwaji is a public figure who is also gaining attention

2 Why are people interested in their fashion
As a new publicfacing couple in a major city their style choices are seen as a way to express their personalities values and connection to the diverse communities of New York

3 What is Zohran Mamdanis typical style
Based on public appearances he often leans towards smartcasual and professional attire frequently wearing wellfitted blazers dress shirts and trousers sometimes with subtle cultural touches

4 What is Rama Duwajis typical style
Her style appears elegant and modern often blending contemporary Western fashion with elements that reflect her cultural heritage such as intricate embroidery or elegant silhouettes

5 Will they have official stylists
Its common for public figures in their position to work with stylists or fashion consultants for major events but it hasnt been officially confirmed if they have hired one

Advanced Detailed Questions

6 How might their cultural backgrounds influence their fashion
Both have rich cultural heritages We might see Zohran incorporate South Asian influences like a classic Nehru collar or specific fabrics Rama may wear designs featuring Arabesque patterns or modern interpretations of traditional Levantine dress

7 Are they likely to support sustainable or ethical fashion brands
Given their public profiles and values its highly probable they will champion sustainable ethical and local New York designers to align their fashion with a message of social responsibility

8 What role will power dressing play in Zohrans wardrobe
Power dressing will be crucial His clothing will be used to project authority competence and relatability Expect sharp tailored suits for official duties and more relaxed attire for community events

9 How might Rama Duwajis fashion be analyzed compared to previous first partners
Analysts will compare her style to predecessors looking at her choice of designers