Zohran Mamdani Chooses Assamese Silk For Mayoral Swearing-In With Wife Rama Duwaji

Inaugurations are usually defined by words – pledges, promises, the rhetoric of change. But when Zohran Kwame Mamdani stepped forward to take his oath as the 112th mayor of New York on New Year’s Eve, it was a quiet detail that carried unexpected weight. His look, measured and restrained, carried a deeper cultural resonance, turning a ceremonial uniform into a subtle act of self-authorship.

At the centre of Zohran Mamdani’s ensemble was a dark grey herringbone tie crafted from eri silk, a hand-spun fabric native to North East India and deeply rooted in Assamese textile traditions. Often referred to as ‘peace silk,’ eri is prized for its softness, durability and ethical production. The tie was embroidered with delicate four-petalled floral motifs

in gold, adding texture without ostentation. Designed by Delhi-based luxury streetwear label Kartik Research, the piece avoided overt symbolism, instead letting material and craft do the storytelling.

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That a fabric from Assam found its way into the heart of American civic life felt intentional. The tie served as a bridge between personal heritage and public office, linking Mamdani’s South Asian roots with the global, immigrant-driven identity of New York itself. In an era where political dressing often errs on the side of neutrality, the choice stood out precisely because it was understated.

Kartik Research And The Language Of Modern Indian Menswear

Founded in 2021 by designer Kartik Kumra, Kartik Research has quickly become synonymous with a new wave of Indian menswear – one that embraces craft, maximalism and cultural memory without nostalgia. Kumra’s semi-finalist run at the LVMH Prize in 2023 and his Paris Men’s Fashion Week debut, How To Make In India, positioned the label as a global force.

Worn by the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Kendrick Lamar and BTS’s V, the brand’s appeal lies in its ability to translate Indian techniques into contemporary silhouettes. Mamdani’s tie marked one of the label’s most symbolically powerful moments yet.

NYC’s new First Lady Rama Duwaji in Miista Shelley boots at Zohran’s inauguration. pic.twitter.com/maP89fEowr

— Louis Pisano (@LouisPisano) January 1, 2026

For the ceremony, fashion editor and stylist Gabriela Karefa-Johnson curated the looks for both Mamdani and his wife, artist Rama Duwaji. Mamdani grounded the statement tie with a black velvet suit and crisp white shirt, while Duwaji opted for an archival asymmetrical Balenciaga coat, sharp lace-up boots and sculptural gold jewellery.

Together, their looks reflected a shared sensibility. It was modern, intentional and quietly political.