"Meet Zambia’s 'Legendary Glamma': An Unexpected Fashion Sensation"

"Known as 'Legendary Glamma,' Margret Chola has become a viral fashion icon, with her flamboyant style showcased in the 'Granny Series' created by her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba. The series not only highlights Chola's vibrant outfits but also celebrates the unique bond between generations."

Margret Chola, an 80-year-old grandmother living in rural Zambia, has unexpectedly become a fashion icon and Internet sensation after embracing a playful new wardrobe in a series of stunning photographs with her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba. Affectionately dubbed "Legendary Glamma," Chola has amassed a following of 225,000 on Instagram, surprising many with her striking and unconventional style.

Speaking to the BBC, Chola expressed her newfound vibrancy: "I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes, in a way that I’ve never felt before. I feel like I can conquer the world!" The 'Granny Series' was launched by Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, during a visit to Zambia in 2023 to honor her late father, who ignited her passion for fashion.

Kaumba's initiative occurred when she found herself with several outfits that went unworn during her visit. Asking her grandmother – or "Mbuya," as affectionately referred to in the Bemba language – to model the clothes, Chola eagerly agreed, thinking it a fun way to create lasting memories. "You will miss me when I die, and at least this way you will be remembering me," she playfully remarked.

The duo captures Chola in a beautiful farm setting near Lusaka, showcasing her glamorous outfits against a backdrop of ploughed fields, mango trees, and rustic buildings. Kaumba recalls the nervous excitement of posting the first photo; within 10 minutes, the image had received 1,000 likes. The series truly gained momentum with a viral post featuring Chola in a dazzling red Adidas dress, chunky gold jewelry, and a crown.

Embracing bold colors, textures, and accessories, Chola remains unafraid to challenge the conventions of fashion. Some of her favorite looks include dramatic combinations, such as an American football jersey paired with a vibrant layered dress and sequined tops mixed with bold jewelry.

Relishing the attention, Chola remarked, "I didn’t know I could make such an impact at this age." The eclectic ensembles often incorporate personal items from her life, symbolizing her story and experiences, including her cherished radio and cooking equipment represented in the shoots.

Kaumba aims to use the 'Granny Series' to emphasize the vibrancy and contributions of older generations, highlighting that they should not be overlooked. Her work has inspired others, with four granddaughters hiring her to style their own grandmothers, expanding the impact of Chola’s newfound fame.

The project has also strengthened the bond between Chola and Kaumba, with the latter learning about her grandmother's difficult journey – including having to abandon school at a young age to marry. Chola’s rise to fame has infused her life with purpose, as she seeks to inspire others, encouraging them to live authentically without fear of judgment.

With her newfound confidence and recognition, "Legendary Glamma" hopes her story emphasizes that age has no bearing on style or the ability to inspire others.