In a small village just outside Lusaka, an 85-year-old Zambian grandmother has become an unlikely fashion sensation.
Margret Chola, now known as ‘Legendary Glamma,’ dazzles her 225,000 Instagram followers with bold, flamboyant outfits and a confidence that defies age.
ZAMBIAN GRANDMOTHER AND HER STYLE
Her story began in 2023 when her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a stylist based in New York City, turned a casual idea into a global phenomenon, according to the BBC.
Kaumba, visiting Zambia to mark her father’s death anniversary, asked her grandmother to try on her unworn outfits.
What started as a playful exchange transformed into the Granny Series.
ZAMBIAN GRANDMOTHER’S PHOTOSHOOT
The first outfit? A silver pantsuit, worn by Ms Chola in her natural rural habitat.
“I thought it would be nice to dress Mbuya in high fashion and take photos on the farm,” said Kaumba. The response online was overwhelming. “In just 10 minutes, the first photo had 1,000 likes,” she recalled.
The rural backdrop of Ms Chola’s village, complete with mango trees and maize fields, contrasts strikingly with her high-fashion ensembles, according to Daily Jang.
ZAMBIAN GRANDMOTHER’S COURAGE AND GRACE
Whether posing in a feathered lilac top or wearing bold sunglasses shaped like pineapples, her looks captivate.
Her personal favourite? A pair of jeans paired with a T-shirt bearing her own image.
“I had never worn jeans or a wig before, so I was happy and dancing,” Ms Chola shared.
Each outfit in the Granny Series combines vibrant colours, clashing textures, and oversized accessories.
Kaumba describes her grandmother as having “courage, grace, and the ability to nail every look.”
LIFE IN ZAMBIA
The photoshoots often feature quirky props that reflect Ms Chola’s life.
A charcoal brazier, a wooden pounding stick, and even her beloved radio make regular appearances. In one playful shoot, she even styled a goat in pearls.
South Africans might find this story deeply inspiring. It’s a reminder that rural roots don’t limit creativity or global appeal.
Like South Africa’s own tradition of blending modern trends with cultural heritage, Ms Chola’s photos show how rural African life can influence global fashion.
AFRICAN PRIDE
Her image in Zambia’s national colours—green, red, and black—pays homage to her country’s independence, according to the Telegraph.
It also echoes the pride many South Africans feel for their nation. Through these photoshoots, Ms Chola’s fame has skyrocketed.
She’s inspired other families, with Kaumba now styling grandmothers aged 70 to 96. “Older people still have so much to offer,” Kaumba remarked.
ZAMBIAN GRANDMOTHER EMBRACES THE BEAUTY OF AGING
Ms Chola hopes her story encourages others to embrace life fully, regardless of age.
“You can never change the past, but you can change the future,” she said.
For Ms Chola, the journey is personal too. Raised by her grandparents, she left school at 12 due to economic struggles and endured a difficult marriage.
REWRITING THE NARRATIVE
Her unexpected fame has given her a new purpose. “I wake up knowing people around the world love to see me,” she said.
Ms Chola’s story isn’t just about fashion. It’s about finding joy, bridging generations, and rewriting life’s narrative.
Her journey, much like South Africa’s evolving culture, shows the power of resilience and creativity. As she puts it, “Live your life and don’t worry about what society thinks.”
DO YOU BELIEVE AGE SHOULD LIMIT PERSONAL STYLE?
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