Rama Duwaji: NYC’s First Lady Redefining Political Style

Rama Duwaji is far from one-dimensional. She’s an artist, activist, and illustrator—and now, with her husband being mayor of the city that never sleeps, she is Gen-Z's first lady.

What really struck me? It’s how far she moves away from the traditional “first lady” image. I’m used to seeing structured, fitted, brightly colored power suits. Rama’s style, by contrast, feels deeply personal and real. Subtle, quiet, but carrying craft and culture—not just business formal.

As someone who is very much Gen-Z, and you know how much we love authenticity and self-expression, her wardrobe almost feels revolutionary to me. She’s breaking away from the societal norm of what a “first lady” should look and dress like. Polished, refined figures that feel so far removed from ourselves? That’s old news. Rama shows up as herself. And in doing so, it’s clear to me that she's shaping a new era of political fashion. My favorite thing is how she portrays being in a role of power as calm and intentional: telling a story without ever needing to be the loudest in the room. Big hoops. Western cowboy boots. Linen Collettes. She mixes contemporary edge with personal flair in a way I’ve rarely seen in a first lady. She proves that you don’t have to dress for the role that you’re expected to play. To me, fashion has, and always will be, an outlet to wear your heritage and confidence—and Rama does it flawlessly!

The lessons I (and we all) can take from Duwaji:

Break from societal norms and what you're “supposed” to look like. Your wardrobe can be thoughtful and expressive and still feel amazing. Style is less about being seen and more about feeling authentic to yourself. Seeing Rama Duwaji wearing and embracing her Syrian heritage so proudly while steering away from the traditional “first lady” figure is the kind of honesty that we love to see. Quiet, yet intentional. Revolutionary, if you will. From bold hoops to statement boots, here’s the stuff we know Rama would approve of—shop my Fizzypicks to add a little first-lady flair to your wardrobe.