From Historic Win to Fashion Row: Mayor's Wife Under Fire.
Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City's new mayor Zohran Mamdani, has come under fire for wearing £500 designer boots to his swearing-in ceremony. The row has taken attention away from Mamdani's historic achievement and turned it into a debate about wealth, appearance, and what politicians should represent.
What Happened at the Ceremony
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's mayor at a midnight ceremony in the old City Hall underground station. It should have been a momentous occasion: Mamdani is the city's first Muslim and Asian American mayor, and the first from Queens. But instead of celebrating his achievement, much of the public conversation ended up being about what his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, had on her feet.
What She Wore
Duwaji turned up in a vintage Balenciaga coat, culotte-style shorts from The Frankie Shop, and a pair of Miista "Shelley" boots that cost around £500 (about $630 or ₹58,000). The boots are mid-calf height, lace up at the back, with a small heel and pointed toe. Her outfit was put together by fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and was described as stylish and vintage-inspired.
The Controversy
- Online criticism: Loads of people questioned how the mayor's wife could wear luxury boots when Mamdani has built his whole political reputation on being affordable and standing up for ordinary people.
-The symbolism problem: Critics argued that such pricey fashion doesn't fit with Mamdani's socialist views and his message about economic fairness.
- People defending her:Others pointed out that Duwaji is an independent artist spending her own money, and that what she wears shouldn't be tied to her husband's politics.
Why It Matters
This whole thing shows just how sensitive politics is to appearances. Clothing—especially expensive designer gear—can quickly become a symbol of privilege or double standards when worn by public figures or their families. In this case, the boots became the main talking point about wealth, image, and whether politicians are genuine, completely overshadowing Mamdani's groundbreaking moment as mayor.
The Bottom Line
What was supposed to be a proud and historic swearing-in has been partly ruined by an argument over shoes. Rama Duwaji's designer boots have sparked questions about political image versus personal freedom, showing how even the smallest details can carry huge symbolic weight when you're in the public eye.