Grandma Margret Chola: The Icon of Style and Resilience in Zambia

Margret Chola, an 80-something grandmother from Zambia, unexpectedly becomes an internet sensation as "Legendary Glamma" after participating in a fashion series created by her granddaughter. Their collaborative project not only showcases Chola's vibrant style but also emphasizes the value and wisdom of older generations, proving that age does not limit one's impact or fashion sense.

In rural Zambia, an unassuming grandmother is capturing hearts and screens as an unexpected style icon. Margret Chola, affectionately called "Legendary Glamma," has risen to fame on Instagram, where she boasts 225,000 followers. At the age of approximately 85, she has rewritten the narrative of age and fashion, showcasing a colorful blend of bold outfits that highlight her spirit and vivacity.

Chola's journey into the world of fashion began when her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, persuaded her to engage in some playful outfit swapping during a visit home. The delightful series, dubbed the "Granny Series," took off in 2023, transforming the quiet beauty of Chola’s rural surroundings into a striking backdrop for the shoot, thereby blending her heritage with high fashion.

"I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes," Chola expressed in an interview with the BBC. This transition into a fashion icon arose during a reflective visit to commemorate the second anniversary of her father's death. Kaumba credits her father for inspiring her own love for stylish living, and through this series, she connects with her grandmother, whom she cherishes as "Mbuya" in their native Bemba language.

The series not only highlights Chola’s newfound zest for life but also carefully features her in natural settings — amongst maize crops, fruit trees, and rustic brick buildings, where she dons outfits that range from a glimmering pantsuit to vibrant dresses representing the Zambian flag.

The content from the series resonated with audiences worldwide, particularly after Kaumba shared eye-catching images of her grandmother in a red Adidas dress paired with chunky gold accessories. Chola’s candid acknowledgment of her surprise at garnering such love reinforces the power of intergenerational connections and creativity.

Describing her eclectic fashion sense, Chola embraces pieces that celebrate vibrant colors and textures. The options span from sequined tops to playful jeans, confirming that style knows no age limits. Perhaps most notably, the series serves to honor her life experiences, enabling a candid reflection on hardship intertwined with joy.

Both women emphasize the lessons learned through their bond: Kaumba aims to demonstrate that older adults have much to offer, urging younger generations to cherish their elders and the memories they create together. The photography sessions have not just brought joy through fashion. They have allowed Kaumba to understand her grandmother's complex past, touching upon challenges Chola endured, including childhood education challenges and a troubled marriage.

Despite life's hardships, Chola beams with newfound purpose due to the warmth she receives from followers worldwide. She encourages others not to be limited by societal judgments, fostering a message of acceptance and resilience. As the movement continues to inspire others, even granddaughters have begun embracing the idea of showcasing their own grandmothers through styling, echoing Chola's lasting influence.

Through "Legendary Glamma," Margret Chola asserts that age is no barrier to empowerment or style, proving that life at any stage can be lived fully and vibrantly.