New York City's political landscape witnessed a historic shift in the early hours of Thursday as Zohran Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as mayor, becoming the first Muslim to lead America's largest metropolis. The ceremony, held at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan, was however swiftly overshadowed by online commentary focused not on policy, but on fashion – specifically, the £500 boots worn by his wife, First Lady Rama Duwaji.
A Stylish First Lady Steals the Spotlight
While Mayor Mamdani took the oath of office with his hand on a Quran, 28-year-old Duwaji, an artist, stood beside him in a chic all-black ensemble. Her outfit, a knee-length skirt and wool coat, was punctuated by a pair of mid-calf Miista 'Shelley' boots, retailing for $630 (approximately £500). The European brand, known for its sustainable ethos, describes its products as subverting problematic fashion trends. Yet, for many observers, the price tag of the footwear struck a discordant note with the incoming administration's core message.
Clash Between Image and 'Affordability Agenda'
The sartorial choice ignited immediate criticism on social media, with users drawing a direct contrast to Mamdani's campaign pledges. His platform, centred on an 'affordability agenda', includes a rent freeze for around one million households, free childcare, and free buses. "Mamdani’s 'affordability agenda' is a scam," read one scathing post on X. "His wife parades in $600 Miista boots while he pushes rent freezes that’ll collapse housing stock."
Others labelled the optics as "very tasteless" and suggested New Yorkers had been "fooled." Defenders countered that focusing on the First Lady's attire was "weird and off-base," arguing the spotlight should remain on substantive policy. This incident is not the first time Duwaji's fashion has drawn attention; her election night outfit also featured symbolic nods to her heritage and new city.
A New Chapter in Gracie Mansion
Following the ceremony, the couple, who met on the dating app Hinge and married in 2024, will relocate from their rent-stabilised one-bedroom flat in Astoria to the official mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion. In a recent interview, Duwaji expressed her intention to continue her artistic career, stating, "I'm not a politician. I'm here to be a support system for Z."
Mayor Mamdani, the youngest to hold the office since 1982, described his new role as "the honor and the privilege of a lifetime." However, the debut of his tenure has been indelibly marked by a debate that encapsulates the modern political challenge: the perceived tension between personal lifestyle and public policy promises in an era of intense public scrutiny.
