In a fashion landscape obsessed with fabric, form and fleeting trends, Syrian American artist and illustrator Rama Duwaji looks deeper, treating clothing not as mere adornment, but as a living canvas for identity, memory, and meaning.
Fashion, for her, is never ornamental. It is language. As she stands next to Zoharan Mamdani, New York City’s newly elected mayor, the 28-year-old claims her own space in the public gaze. Each look carries intention, articulating culture, complexity and a quietly commanding presence.
A Creator, Not a Celebrity
Duwaji is not a career celebrity but a creator—an MFA-trained illustrator whose work has appeared in leading publications and explores themes of diaspora, womanhood and identity. That artistic lens naturally informs how she dresses, giving her style a sense of purpose rather than performance.
Dressing With Intention
Instead of cycling through trends, her wardrobe feels considered. Flowing fabrics suggest movement, boots ground her looks, and minimalist jewellery punctuates rather than overwhelms. Each element appears chosen, not styled.
A Palette of Restraint
Black often anchors her colour story, offset by subtle yet thoughtful accessories. Her silhouettes blur the lines between street styling and refined form, creating looks that feel both lived-in and quietly elevated.
Effortless, Not Engineered
In an era of carefully constructed public personas, Duwaji’s authenticity stands out. The media has already dubbed her Gen Z’s new fashion obsession—drawn to her mix of everyday confidence and statement touches. Boots with dresses, layered rings and necklaces, and sharp makeup—often winged liner or kohl-rimmed eyes—have become part of her signature.
Style on Her Own Terms
Where political partners are often expected to retreat into neutral tailoring, Duwaji remains unmistakably personal. Her looks don’t seek invisibility; they balance presence with privacy. She doesn’t fade into a role; she defines it, entirely on her own terms.
Why Rama Duwaji’s Style Has Our Attention at Aza
Rama Duwaji’s style stands out for its quiet confidence and intentionality—rooted in monochrome dressing, rich textures and silhouettes that feel both nostalgic and modern. At Aza, we’re drawn to how she uses fashion as expression, not excess, letting every look speak with purpose and ease.
Monochrome Neutrals, the Aza Way
At Aza, we love how Rama Duwaji leans into dark neutrals with confidence, favouring head-to-toe monochrome looks that feel inherently New York. Her consistent use of black and brown has quickly become a signature.
Textures That Do the Talking
What elevates her monochrome dressing is texture. Embroidery, lace, faux fur and sheer knits add richness and dimension, creating outfits that feel layered and luxurious without ever appearing overworked.
A Nod to Y2K Silhouettes
Rama’s silhouettes subtly reference the late ’90s and early 2000s comprising boat and square necklines, asymmetrical cuts, apron and handkerchief tops bring a nostalgic edge. It’s a reminder that even restrained palettes can feel playful and fashion-forward.
Boots as a Signature
Her footwear choices are unmistakable. Knee-high boots, pointed toes and slender heels appear time and again, including statement lace-up styles. While winter has been her season so far, we’re eager to see how this boot-forward aesthetic evolves into spring and summer.
Jewellery with a Cool-Girl Ease
From classic hoops to layered necklace stacks, Rama’s jewellery choices strike the perfect balance between polish and personality. Rama Duwaji moves seamlessly between gold and silver—most memorably layering gold chains for her City Hall wedding—cementing a cool, downtown sensibility we at Aza can’t get enough of.
As designers and fashion enthusiasts continue to draw inspiration from her, one thing is clear: Rama Duwaji isn’t just influencing trends—she’s shaping the future of style itself.
