NYC’s First Lady Rama Duwaji attends Diotima show by queer Jamaican designer

New York City First Lady Rama Duwaji turned heads at the Diotima show championing queer Jamaican designer Rachel Scott

New York City’s First Lady Rama Duwaji made a notable appearance this week at the Diotima fashion show, a runway event designed by queer Jamaican immigrant Rachel Scott that has quickly become a cultural moment within the city’s arts and fashion communities. The sighting sparked praise across social platforms as a symbolic celebration of creative diversity and immigrant success in one of the world’s style capitals.

The show, which fused bold prints, vibrant colours and boundary-pushing silhouettes, was inspired by the mythic figure of Diotima, often interpreted as an emblem of feminine wisdom and queer empowerment. Scott, who grew up in Jamaica before moving to the U.S. to pursue fashion, has been praised for her distinctive aesthetic that channels both cultural heritage and modern expression. Her work frequently explores identity, belonging and the intersections of gender and diaspora, making Diotima one of her most personal collections to date.

At the event, Duwaji, known for her advocacy on civic engagement, arts funding and inclusive city policy, was seen front row, visibly enthusiastic as models walked the runway in eclectic looks. Her presence was interpreted by many attendees as a meaningful gesture of support for both immigrant creatives and LGBTQ+ designers, communities that often receive limited attention in mainstream fashion circles.

The 2026 Diotima runway marked a milestone for Rachel Scott, who has been steadily building a reputation through smaller showcases and independent collaborations. The expansion into a full-scale, high visibility presentation represents not just a stylistic evolution but also a breakthrough moment for a designer whose voice has been shaped by lived experience as a queer immigrant navigating both creative and cultural landscapes.

Social media lit up with commentary after photos of Duwaji at the show surfaced, with many congratulating Scott on her success and applauding the First Lady for lending her platform to emerging talent. Observers noted that events like Diotima showcase how fashion can serve as both art and social commentary, blurring the lines between aesthetic spectacle and meaningful visibility for underrepresented communities.

For her part, Scott described the evening as “surreal and deeply moving,” saying she was honoured to see so many people come together around her work. She credited the energy of New York’s creative scene and expressed excitement for what’s next, citing future shows and collaborations on the horizon that will continue to expand Diotima beyond a singular moment.