NYC First Lady Rama Duwaji Attends New York Fashion Week

The artist wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani made a rare public appearance at a fashion show.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was spotted in the front row at a New York Fashion Week show on Sunday. The 28-year-old artist briefly posed for photographers and rubbed shoulders with celebrities like model Joan Smalls and sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the Diotima runway event.

Why it matters

Duwaji, who has largely avoided the public spotlight since her husband's election, is known for her desire to use her position as first lady to highlight up-and-coming artists in the city. Her appearance at NYFW is one of the few times she's been seen at a major public event since Mamdani took office.

The details

Duwaji donned a cream and brown checked coat over a tan trench for the fashion show, pairing the look with knee-high boots. The label she attended, Diotima, is headed by queer Jamaican designer Rachel Scott. In a recent interview, Duwaji acknowledged that she's had to adjust to her newfound fame, but said she's committed to using her platform to support other artists struggling to make it in New York City.

  • Duwaji attended the Diotima fashion show on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Rama Duwaji

The 28-year-old artist and wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City and Duwaji's husband.

Diotima

A New York-based fashion label that Duwaji attended a show for during New York Fashion Week.

Rachel Scott

The queer Jamaican designer who heads the Diotima fashion label.

Joan Smalls

A Puerto Rican model who Duwaji was spotted with at the Diotima fashion show.

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson

A Vogue stylist who Duwaji was spotted with at the Diotima fashion show.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

A former Jamaican track and field sprinter who Duwaji was spotted with at the Diotima fashion show.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rama Duwaji, New York City First Lady (The Cut)

“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.”

— Rama Duwaji, New York City First Lady (The Cut)

The takeaway

Rama Duwaji's rare public appearance at New York Fashion Week highlights her commitment to using her platform as New York City's first lady to support and elevate the city's vibrant arts community, even as she continues to maintain a relatively low profile compared to her politician husband.