Explore how NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is challenging modern fashion norms by consistently wearing suits, revealing the surprising political power and complex symbolism behind this classic garment.
The article delves into the unexpected resurgence and evolving symbolism of the suit, particularly through the lens of newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Once a ubiquitous symbol of seriousness and power, the suit has seen a slow decline since the mid-20th century, becoming largely reserved for formal occasions. However, Mamdani, a millennial democratic socialist, consistently wears modern, loosely tailored suits, sparking a discussion about their contemporary relevance. Fashion experts like Derek Guy note that while suits traditionally signal authority, today they perform authority to win public confidence, acting as a subtle 'drag' that performs masculinity and power. Mamdani's choice of mid-market Suitsupply attire, in contrast to figures like Donald Trump's luxury Brioni suits, is seen as a strategic move to resonate with his middle-class, millennial voter base, aligning his appearance with his progressive policies. The article delves into the suit's complex history in politics, from Obama's infamous tan suit to the 'Merkel rainbow,' highlighting how a suit can define a politician. Economic historian Dr. Matthew Sterling Benson-Strohmayer suggests Mamdani's 'performance of banality' or 'studied modesty' in his sartorial choice helps him appeal broadly, while also acknowledging the suit's military and colonial legacy. For individuals from marginalized backgrounds, like Mamdani, the suit can function as 'protective armor' or a form of 'code-switching,' signaling legitimacy in traditionally white spaces, a practice exemplified by figures like Gandhi and Zelenskyy. Ultimately, the article concludes that Mamdani's sartorial decisions underscore the inherent non-neutrality of appearance in politics, revealing the tension between insider and outsider identities, and the careful navigation required when using clothing to project power and relatability.
