Move over, Anna Wintour! There's a new Grandmother fashion icon in town, and she's breaking all the stereotypes.
Hailing from a rural village in Zambia, Margret Chola, affectionately dubbed “Legendary Glamma,” has taken the world by storm with her bold, playful, and unapologetically fabulous style. At over 80 years old, she’s proving that a stylish grandmother is not an oxymoron!
Chola's journey to becoming a global fashion icon began rather serendipitously in 2023. Her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, was visiting Zambia for her father’s death anniversary. Kaumba, also known as Didi, had brought a collection of high-end clothes with her, and realizing she hadn't worn many of them, she had a playful idea.
Why not have her grandmother try on some of the outfits? Chola, initially hesitant, agreed to the wardrobe swap, thinking, "You will miss me when I die, and at least this way you will remember me."
The Birth of "Legendary Glamma"
The first outfit, which was a silver pantsuit, was a striking piece. Photographed in her rural village, Chola showed a blend of elegance and authenticity. Kaumba, nervous about sharing the photos online, was astounded by the response. Within minutes, the first photo garnered 1,000 likes, and people were clamoring for more. Thus, the "Granny Series" was born, and "Legendary Glamma" stepped onto the global fashion stage.
What started as a simple act of bonding between a grandmother and granddaughter quickly transformed into a viral phenomenon, attracting over 225,000 followers on Instagram and capturing the attention of media outlets worldwide. Chola's style, which was a fusion of high fashion and Zambian fashion, was widely accepted by people across cultures and generations.
A Fashion Fusion Rooted in Culture
Chola's photoshoots became known for their playful juxtaposition of high fashion and everyday rural life. One photo featured her in a bold, red Adidas dress, beautified with layered gold necklaces and a glittering crown. In another, she wore stylish sunglasses shaped like pineapples while holding a teacup. She even posed with a goat wearing pearls. The photos often included props that were integral to her daily life, such as a charcoal brazier, a traditional wooden pounding stick, or her radio.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inspiration
For Chola, her newfound fame is about much more than just looking good. It’s about leaving a legacy that inspires others to embrace life fully, regardless of age or societal expectations. She hopes that her story encourages people to "live their lives and not worry about being judged by society."
Chola's impact extends beyond the world of fashion. She has become a symbol of empowerment, encouraging people of all ages to challenge conventional notions of aging and express themselves authentically. Her journey has also had an impact on her granddaughter. Inspired by her grandmother's spirit, Kaumba has started styling other grandmothers between the ages of 70 and 96, showcasing the beauty and style of women from different generations.
Final Remarks
Margret Chola's story highlights the power of individuality, authenticity, and the timeless allure of style. She has shown the world that age is just a number and that true fashion comes from embracing your roots, expressing your unique self, and living life with joy and confidence. As Chola herself puts it, "You can never change the past, but you can change the future."
Her journey is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that it's never too late to rewrite our narratives and embrace the beauty of aging gracefully, stylishly, and on our own terms.