New York City's First Lady Rama Duwaji Wears Culturally Significant Coat at Inauguration

The stylish outerwear by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej makes a powerful statement about representation and resilience.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:50am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of Rama Duwaji's distinctive three-tier fringe coat in warm brown tones, capturing the coat's striking visual impact as a symbol of cultural representation and women's empowerment.Rama Duwaji's striking coat, designed by Palestinian-Lebanese brand Renaissance Renaissance, makes a bold fashion statement that celebrates cultural pride and women's resilience.NYC Today

Rama Duwaji, the wife of newly inaugurated New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, made a bold fashion statement at the inauguration ceremony by wearing a one-of-a-kind brown coat made from faux fur and wool, crafted by the innovative Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej. The striking three-tier fringe coat, entirely sourced and handcrafted in Beirut, Lebanon, drew inspiration from Merhej's fall/winter 2023 collection and was styled by renowned stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson.

Why it matters

Duwaji's choice to wear the culturally significant coat on her very first day as First Lady of New York City spotlights a small, independent female designer from the Middle East, providing important representation and amplifying marginalized voices in the fashion industry. The coat also serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of women in the community.

The details

The coat, described by designer Cynthia Merhej as 'a testament to the superhuman strength of women and our community,' was the result of a collaborative effort among the women in Merhej's family. Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson emphasized the impact of Duwaji's choice, noting that 'fashion isn't just about looking good—it's a language that conveys powerful ideas and sparks conversations.'

  • Rama Duwaji wore the coat during the inauguration ceremony of her husband, Zohran Mamdani, as the new Mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026.
  • The coat was crafted by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej for her brand, Renaissance Renaissance, as part of the fall/winter 2023 collection.

The players

Rama Duwaji

The wife of newly inaugurated New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rama Duwaji is a talented Syrian-American illustrator and animator who is known for her bold fashion choices that blend personal expression with deeper significance.

Zohran Mamdani

The newly inaugurated Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani is a 34-year-old democratic socialist who champions policies like affordable housing and social equity.

Cynthia Merhej

The innovative Palestinian-Lebanese designer behind the brand Renaissance Renaissance, which created the striking three-tier fringe coat worn by Rama Duwaji.

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson

A renowned stylist who teamed up with Rama Duwaji to curate her inauguration outfits, including the culturally significant coat.

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What they’re saying

“On her very first day as First Lady of New York, Rama is spotlighting a small, independent female designer from the Middle East. That kind of representation truly echoes far and wide because fashion isn't just about looking good—it's a language that conveys powerful ideas and sparks conversations.”

— Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Stylist

“This coat is a testament to the superhuman strength of women and our community.”

— Cynthia Merhej, Designer

What’s next

Rama Duwaji and her husband, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are expected to continue using their platform to highlight underrepresented voices and promote social equity in New York City.

The takeaway

Rama Duwaji's choice to wear a coat designed by a Palestinian-Lebanese woman on her first day as New York City's First Lady showcases how fashion can be a powerful tool for representation, cultural expression, and sparking important conversations about diversity and inclusion.