Rama Duwaji made one of the boldest fashion statements of the New York Knicks’ championship celebration.
The wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared at the Knicks parade and City Hall ceremony wearing a custom dress made from Knicks NBA Finals T-shirts. The outfit immediately drew attention online as fans reacted to its unusual mix of sports merch, street style and high-fashion construction.
The one-shoulder dress featured the Knicks’ signature orange, blue and white colors and was layered over a black skirt. Duwaji completed the look with playful orange accessories, gold jewelry and casual footwear.
The dress was designed by downtown New York fashion designer Claire Sullivan, who is known for creative, reconstructed clothing and has worked with major celebrities. Reports said the piece was made from Knicks-themed shirts sourced around the city during the team’s championship run.
The outfit quickly divided social media. Some users mocked the look and called it messy or confusing, while others praised Duwaji for wearing something local, playful and connected to the city’s street culture.
Supporters argued that the dress captured the energy of New York after the Knicks’ long-awaited title win. Instead of choosing a polished designer gown, Duwaji wore something that felt tied to the celebration, the fans and the city’s DIY fashion scene.
Mamdani also leaned into the Knicks theme, wearing a Josh Hart jersey over a shirt and tie during the celebration.
The fashion moment came during a historic day for New York basketball. The Knicks were honored with a ticker-tape parade after winning their first NBA championship since 1973. Fans filled Lower Manhattan in orange and blue as the team traveled through the Canyon of Heroes before a City Hall ceremony.
For Duwaji, the dress became one of her most talked-about public style moments since becoming New York City’s first lady. The Houston-born artist and illustrator has mostly kept a lower profile while continuing her creative work.
Whether praised or criticized, the look succeeded in doing what New York fashion often does best: starting a conversation.
