NEW DELHI, January 2, 2026 — Syrian-American visual artist Rama Duwaji made a highly praised editorial debut on the cover of The Cut’s special December 2025 issue, released on December 23. The Renaissance-inspired shoot occurred just ahead of her becoming New York City’s youngest and first Gen Z First Lady on January 1, 2026, following her husband Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory.
Who is Rama Duwaji?
Rama Duwaji is a 28-year-old Syrian-American multi-disciplinary artist who became the First Lady of New York City on January 1, 2026. She is married to Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. An established animator, illustrator, and ceramicist based in Brooklyn, her work has been featured in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, BBC, Apple, and Spotify. She holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York.
What is the Art of Rama Duwaji?
The art of Rama Duwaji is a multidisciplinary practice spanning illustration, animation, and ceramics, focused on exploring Arab womanhood, diaspora experiences, and social justice. Her illustrations use expressive minimalism and clean lines. Her ceramics blend Islamic geometry with contemporary storytelling. Her work often addresses Middle Eastern conflicts, highlighting human rights in Syria, Sudan, and Palestine. She was the creative force behind the visual branding for her husband’s 2025 mayoral campaign.
Rama Duwaji’s The Cut cover shoot
The shoot was photographed by Szilveszter Makó with a “Renaissance-inspired” aesthetic and soft, timeless tones. A notable detail includes the use of ceramic hands crafted by the photographer, mirroring Duwaji’s own work. Stylist Jessica Willis dressed Duwaji in pieces from Jacquemus (the structured black jacket on the cover), Diotima, Peter Do, Marc Jacobs, and Abodi Transylvania, with vintage Prada Mary Janes from FW’96. The feature was written by Danya Issawi with hair by Panos Papandrianos and makeup by Raoul Alejandre.
What defines the distinctive edge of Rama Duwaji’s fashion?
Rama Duwaji’s fashion is defined by a “chic art-world” sensibility used for political messaging and cultural representation. She highlights Middle Eastern designers, having worn Zeid Hijazi and Cynthia Merhej. She commits to circular fashion, renting a vintage Balenciaga coat for the swearing-in ceremony. Her autonomous “forever girlfriend” look, which inspired trends like the “Rama” hairstyle on TikTok, defies traditional political spouse dress.
What is Rama Duwaji’s Role?
Rama Duwaji assumed the role of First Lady of New York City on January 1, 2026. Her role blends artistic independence with cultural advocacy. She is the city’s first Gen Z and first Muslim First Lady. She has stated she will continue her independent art career while using her platform to highlight emerging creatives and advocate for social justice, particularly Palestinian rights. She held two Qurans at her husband’s midnight swearing-in ceremony.
Rama Duwaji’s Support to Palestine
Rama Duwaji is a prominent pro-Palestinian advocate who integrates support into her art, digital platform, and fashion. She has illustrated victim accounts for The Washington Post, made viral animations about Gaza, and used social media to advocate for change. Her wardrobe choices, such as her tailored coat by Cynthia Merhej and Tatreez embroidery by Zeid Hijazi, are intentional declarations of solidarity. Her advocacy aligns with Mayor Mamdani’s political stance.
What is Rama Duwaji’s Syria Heritage?
Rama Duwaji’s Syrian heritage is the cornerstone of her identity. Both her parents are Syrian Muslims from Damascus. Her father, Marwan Duwaji, is a software developer, and her mother, Dr. Bariah Dardari, is a pediatrician with the Syrian American Medical Society. Born in Houston and raised in the U.S. and Dubai, her art captures diasporic life and Syrian cultural rituals. She uses her voice to speak about Syria, citing marginalized people being “silenced by fear.”
FAQs:
Q: What is Rama Duwaji’s religion?
A: Rama Duwaji is Muslim. Her husband is a practicing Twelver Shia Muslim; her specific sub-sect has not been definitively confirmed in major public records.
Q: Who are Rama Duwaji’s parents?
A: Her parents are Dr. Bariah Dardari, a doctor renowned for his humanitarian work with the Syrian American Medical Society, and Marwan Duwaji, a software engineer. They are both originating from Syria’s Damascus.
Q: What did Rama Duwaji wear for The Cut cover?
A: For The Cut cover, she wore a structured black jacket by Jacquemus. Other pieces in the shoot were from Diotima, Peter Do, Marc Jacobs, Abodi Transylvania, and vintage Prada.
Q: What does “forever girlfriend” mean?
A: In her interview with The Cut, Duwaji used the term “forever girlfriend” to express her desire to be seen for her art and maintain personal autonomy, outside the traditional expectations of a political “wife.”