Let’s face facts: young people in India are more likely to create memes about politics than step into it. With scepticism running high and role models running low, it's rare to see a brown-skinned person below 40 be a part of the system and bring an impactful change. Enter Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a 33-year-old Assemblyman and the Democratic nominee for the New York Mayor office, who’s fighting to make his city more affordable, accessible and more humane. Zohran is winning hearts (and votes) by not just catering to the needs of the working class, such as freezing rents, making groceries and public transport more affordable, and promising free childcare, but also by having an incredibly likeable and approachable presence.
Born in Uganda, Zohran is the son of an Indian-origin, Gujarati-Muslim scholar, Mahmood Mamdani, and award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair, a Punjabi-Hindu who grew up in Bhubaneswar. Traditionally, his identity would shut him out of the political elite class in USA; however, his blend of grassroots politics with real-world resonance speaks volumes. What’s more, his social media and PR teams are so strong that not only has his content made him a global celebrity, but his public perception is shaped by fashion choices that quietly underscore everything he stands for.
Think of it this way: in an age where political figures either blend into the background in uninspired suits or perform their 'relatability' with excessive flair, Mamdani finds a balance. His wardrobe is humble, affordable, and relatable—but never sloppy. He dresses like your ideal coworker or the well-mannered guy in your building who always greets you with a charming, warm smile.
Today, political strategy requires a significant emphasis on entertainment value and polished facades, but Zohran’s optics are refreshingly real. He’s redefining what a politician can look like—still wearing suits, but those that fit well and are styled better than those of his colleagues. He doesn’t do power dressing; his wardrobe establishes trust by wearing the same brands that you do, reinstating the belief that leadership doesn’t have to be distant to be effective. Here’s a breakdown:
Skinny-Tie Socialism
Zohran is almost always clad in slim-cut suits, crisp white shirts and skinny ties that sport minimal prints, showcasing his personal brand of “skinny-tie socialism”. His choice of black, navy, brown and grey suits from brands like Suitsupply and J Crew are perfectly cut and modestly styled and walk a thin line between polished and progressive, with tailored aesthetics that feel modern but not elite. And in the winters, he dips into classic layering, pairing a tonal sweater over his shirt under his suit.
Working Class Brand Ambassador
In past interviews, Zohran has referred to himself as the “Uniqlo uncle” who favours reliable and repeatable basics—from utility jackets to henleys, chinos and bombers. In June, Mamdani walked 13 miles across Manhattan wearing a pair of silver New Balance 740s that Gen-Z would approve of. During televised interviews and public outings, the politician is seen sporting the vintage-looking Casio A1000MA-7VT on his wrist.
His ensembles comprise brands and fits that would resonate with any true-blue millennial. And so, it comes as no surprise that Zohran was able to put together a historic, grassroots run, which saw over 50,000 New Yorkers sign up to volunteer for his campaign.
The Ultimate New Yorker
One of the many posts that went viral on Zohran’s social media was his wedding picture with his wife, Rama Duwaji, aboard the Union Square subway train. The candid shot shows the politician dressed effortlessly in a suit paired with a trench coat and scarf, adding personality and polish to what might seem a plain outfit. The picture, however, looks straight out of a black-and-white film and is stylish in the most New York way imaginable.
On less formal days, you’ll spot Zohran donning everything from powder blue bombers to cuffed jeans and brightly coloured overshirts, looking like someone you might meet on your way to the office in New York. His image and wardrobe convey his background (and the fact that he’s lived in the city since he was 7), which helps voters feel like he's truly “one of them”.
Owing His Roots
Given the times we live in, Zohran’s background, being an Indian- Origin Gujarati Muslim immigrant who was born in Uganda, would put him at a disadvantage in politics in America, but Mamdani wears his identity like a badge of honour. He doesn’t try to shy away from his immigrant background; instead, he proudly wears crisp cotton kurtas and embraces his South Asian roots. He’s woven his faith, roots and heritage into his campaign since early days—be it by celebrating Eid on the streets of New York in a jade green kurta or wearing a crisp white one during the protests against Israeli settler violence.
He even records his campaign videos and reels in languages ranging from Hindi to Bengali and Spanish, which are usually accompanied by a whole lot of cultural memes, further building his relatable image among the 3.1 million immigrants in New York that comprise 37% of the city’s total population.
While it remains to be seen whether Zohran will rewrite history and become New York’s first immigrant Mayor come November, it is clear that the 33-year-old has established a powerful and unique base for himself by simply being himself, being firm in his beliefs, and genuinely wanting to make the city he grew up in a better place to live. Whether he falls through on his promises remains to be seen, Zohran’s wardrobe is a classic case study in showcasing what you wear shapes your perception in the world deeply, and you can make a powerful statement about who you are without luxury labels.
