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New York’s First Lady Rama Duwaji masters double-trench dressing at fashion week, pairing neutral layers, cowboy boots and refined accessories.
Rama Duwaji was styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. (Images: X)
In a sea of statement gowns and runway theatrics, restraint can be the boldest choice of all. On the final day of New York fashion week, Rama Duwaji delivered a masterclass in composed, intelligent dressing – the kind that doesn’t chase attention but quietly commands it.
Making one of her first front-row appearances as New York City’s First Lady alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rama Duwaji stepped into New York City’s fashion spotlight with the confidence of someone who understands that style is storytelling. And her language of choice? Precision layering. Styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, the look felt both intellectual and instinctive – polished without ever appearing overworked.
The Double-Trench Statement
At the heart of the ensemble was a clever play on proportions: not one, but two trench coats. The first – a short khaki trench worn buttoned up like a dress – formed a clean, architectural base. Structured and minimal, it delivered the kind of crisp tailoring typically associated with uniforms and heritage menswear. Worn solo, it could have read utilitarian. Layered, it became directional.
Over it, a longer plaid trench added depth and visual rhythm. The interplay of solid khaki and graphic checks created movement without colour overload. Together, the pair felt modern yet nostalgic – a nod to classic academic dressing reinterpreted for the present. It’s a styling trick that transforms staples into statements.
Rama kept the extras purposeful. Black heeled cowboy boots grounded the look with subtle toughness, while a leather bag with an oversized buckle and studded strap injected just enough attitude. Jewellery stayed minimal but layered with two sets of gold hoops, one delicate and one bold – a small detail that framed the face and added dimension without breaking the neutral palette. The overall message was clear: accessorise with intention, not excess.
There’s an art-world sensibility to Rama’s wardrobe – unsurprising for a creative professional. Her choices often lean toward texture, tailoring and silhouette rather than trend cycles. Here, the muted tones and precise construction felt quietly authoritative, almost editorial in their clarity. In an era of maximalism, Rama Duwaji’s double-trench moment is a reminder that true elegance lies in layering well-cut classics and letting confidence do the rest.
Delhi, India, India
February 16, 2026, 10:22 IST
