'Legendary Glamma' from Zambia becomes global fashion icon thanks to her grand daughter

Margret Chola, a grandmother from rural Zambia, is turning heads and giving fashionistas a run for their money with her bold and timeless style. At over 80 years old, Margret has become an internet sensation, amassing over 59,000 followers on Instagram. Her rise to fame as the "Legendary Glamma" began with a simple outfit swap with her granddaughter, but it quickly snowballed into a global fashion movement that celebrates age, confidence, and cultural pride.

The journey of Margret Chola’s transformation into a global style icon began in 2023, when her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, decided to give her grandmother a fashionable makeover. During a visit to Zambia for her father’s death anniversary, Kaumba dressed Margret in some of her high-end clothes and posted the photos on Instagram, expecting little more than a fun moment shared with family. What followed, however, was a viral sensation.

"At first, I wasn’t doing anything at the time, so I just said: 'OK, why not?'" Chola recalled in an interview with the BBC. "You will miss me when I die, and at least this way you will remember me." The first outfit, a striking silver pantsuit, was the catalyst for Margret’s newfound fame. The combination of bold fashion and her natural beauty quickly caught the attention of fashion lovers across the globe.

What sets Margret Chola apart from other fashion icons is the way she seamlessly blends high fashion with her rural Zambian roots. Most of her iconic fashion shots are taken in rural settings, often incorporating elements of Zambian culture into her outfits. In one particularly memorable photo, Margret dons a crown, pineapple-shaped sunglasses, and layers of striking jewellery, while posing beside a goat, captioned 'GOAT' (Greatest of All Time).

In another powerful shot, Margret holds a traditional ibende, a long wooden stick used for pounding millet or maize. The juxtaposition of her glamorous outfit against the backdrop of Zambian rural life highlights both her elegance and her deep connection to her heritage. Each photograph tells a story that celebrates both modern fashion and the beauty of traditional Zambian culture.

For both Diana Kaumba and her grandmother, these photoshoots are about more than just Instagram fame. They are a way for the two women to bond, celebrate their heritage, and empower others to live life without worrying about societal judgments. In many of the photos, Margret is seen holding everyday objects like a tea cup, a radio, or even a charcoal brazier—objects that are part of her daily life, but reimagined in a glamorous fashion context.

"I thought it would be nice to dress up mbuya in high fashion and then take photographs of her in her natural habitat," Kaumba explained to the BBC. This fusion of fashion with elements of Chola’s life creates a powerful statement about self-expression and living authentically, no matter your age or background.

For Margret Chola, her Instagram page is not just about showcasing her fashion. It’s about leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations to live authentically and embrace their individuality. "I hope my page inspires people to live their lives and not worry about being judged by society," Chola shared.

Meanwhile, Diana Kaumba hopes that their collaborative fashion journey will serve as a lasting inspiration for younger generations. "This will leave footprints for the next generation," she said, highlighting the importance of both heritage and individuality in the modern world.

Margret Chola’s unexpected rise to fashion fame is a powerful reminder that style knows no age. From the vibrant streets of rural Zambia to the global fashion scene, Margret is proving that fashion is about confidence, authenticity, and the ability to embrace one’s roots while staying open to new influences. As she continues to share her iconic looks on Instagram, Chola is not only redefining the boundaries of fashion but also encouraging others to embrace their unique style, regardless of age or background. For anyone doubting that fashion has no age limit, Margret Chola is the living proof that style is ageless.