Rural Zambian Grandma Becomes a Global Fashion Sensation

Margret Chola, also known as "Legendary Glamma," is a rural grandmother who has transformed into a fashion icon on Instagram, blending her traditional roots with bold, eclectic styles guided by her New York-based granddaughter. Their project celebrates age, individuality, and the importance of familial bonds.

In rural Zambia, an 85-year-old grandmother has taken the internet by storm, becoming known as "Legendary Glamma." Margret Chola has gained a following of 225,000 on Instagram thanks to her playful and striking fashion photos, which she shares with her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a stylist based in New York City. The two embarked on a creative journey together, snapping vibrant photos that capture Margret's joyful spirit.

The idea to initiate the "Granny Series" came about during Diana's visit to Zambia to commemorate her father's death, who had inspired her interest in fashion. Finding that she had not worn many of her meticulously selected outfits, Diana invited her grandmother, affectionately called "Mbuya" in Bemba, to try them on. "I just said: 'OK. If that’s what you want to do let’s do it - why not?'" Margret recalls.

In their photo sessions, Mbuya dons an array of glamorous outfits ranging from a silver pantsuit to a vibrant ensemble that reflects Zambia's national colors. The backdrops of these images often feature the rustic charm of Mbuya's village home, with its plowed fields and mango trees. Margret's large, bold accessories—such as oversized sunglasses, colorful wigs, and chunky necklaces—complete her eclectic looks, embodying a maximalist-chic style.

Diana shared her initial anxiety when posting the first photo of her grandmother online, stunned by the quick praise that flooded in. "In ten minutes, there were 1,000 likes," she said. The Granny Series reached a new pinnacle in April 2024, when images of Margret in a red Adidas dress, sparkling jewelry, and a crown went viral.

Margaret expresses disbelief at her newfound prominence, confessing, "I didn’t know I could make such an impact at this age." Beyond her newfound fame, Margret hopes to inspire others to embrace life fully and dispel societal judgments regarding age.

Diana aims to highlight the value that older individuals bring to society. The engaging project has also led to interest from other granddaughters seeking Diana's expertise to style their own grandmothers. As the photoshoots continue, both Mbuya and Diana's bond deepens, opening conversations about Margret's upbringing and life challenges.

Margret's story shines a light on resilience and reinvention, demonstrating that it is never too late to discover your style or inspire others. She encourages everyone to live joyfully and gracefully, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and the opportunity to reshape one's future. As an unexpected fashion icon, Margret Chola reminds us that style knows no age.