In a small rural village called 10 Miles, just outside Zambia’s bustling capital of Lusaka, an 85-year-old grandmother has taken the internet—and the fashion world—by storm. Margret Chola, now widely known as “Legendary Glamma,” has turned her life in a quiet farming community into an inspiring global story of style, humour, and breaking age-related stereotypes. With over 225,000 Instagram followers, her striking photoshoots have captivated audiences worldwide, proving that elegance and self-expression are ageless.

Margret’s journey to becoming an internet sensation began in 2023 during what was meant to be an ordinary family reunion. Her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, travelled back to Zambia to commemorate the anniversary of her father’s passing. During the visit, Diana noticed a collection of unworn outfits she had brought along from the United States. A whimsical idea struck: why not dress her grandmother in these high-fashion ensembles and capture the unique juxtaposition of modern style against the rustic charm of rural Zambia?

Initially hesitant, Margret eventually agreed, quipping, “You will miss me when I die, and at least this way, you will be remembering me.” With her granddaughter’s encouragement, Margret’s natural charisma shone through the camera lens. Their first photoshoot featured her in a sleek silver pantsuit, paired with chunky sunglasses, all set against a backdrop of earthy thatched huts and sprawling fields. The contrast between high fashion and her rural environment was nothing short of striking—and it resonated deeply with online audiences.

Diana uploaded the photos to Instagram and was taken aback by the response. “I left my phone for 10 minutes, and when I checked back, there were already 1,000 likes,” she recalled. The unexpected virality of the project gave birth to what they now call the “Granny Series,” an ongoing collaboration between grandmother and granddaughter.

Margret’s subsequent outfits became even more daring and eclectic. She sported a red Adidas dress accessorised with gold-layered necklaces, a crown that glittered like diamonds, and platform boots. Another memorable look included jeans—a garment she had never worn before—paired with a T-shirt bearing her own image. Margret, who had spent her life wearing traditional Zambian chitenge fabrics, embraced the transformation with enthusiasm. “I had never worn jeans or a wig before, so I was happy, and I was dancing,” she shared.

The shoots were not just about fashion—they were about storytelling. Each scene incorporated elements of Margret’s daily life, including her cherished wooden pounding stick, a classic transistor radio, and even livestock. One photograph featured a goat adorned with a pearl necklace, embodying a playful fusion of Margret’s rural roots and Diana’s fashion-forward vision. These personal touches, paired with Margret’s confident poses and radiant smile, created a powerful narrative that resonated globally.

As her fame grew, so did Margret’s sense of purpose. “I’m now able to wake up with a reason to smile, knowing that people around the world love to see me,” she said. The unexpected fame has rejuvenated her spirit, turning her golden years into a period of global influence and inspiration.

Diana, too, found a deeper purpose in the project. The overwhelmingly positive response to Margret’s photoshoots motivated her to expand the initiative, styling other elderly women aged 70 to 96. “Older people still have so much to offer,” Diana emphasised. “We often overlook them, but they have wisdom, grace, and beauty that deserve to be celebrated.”

Margret’s story has sparked a broader conversation about age and fashion. In an industry often preoccupied with youth, her rise to fame challenges conventional notions of beauty and relevance. By stepping into her granddaughter’s avant-garde designs, Margret has demonstrated that style transcends age, geography, and even economic status. She has become a symbol of empowerment for older women across Africa and beyond, reminding them that it is never too late to embrace change and live boldly.

For Diana, the project is also a testament to the power of intergenerational collaboration. “There’s so much to learn from spending time with our elders,” she noted. “Through this series, my grandmother and I have bonded in ways I never imagined.”

The “Granny Series” has not only captivated social media but also attracted attention from international media outlets and fashion brands. Margret has received invitations to feature in campaigns and collaborate with global designers. Yet, she remains grounded, attributing her newfound fame to her family and her faith. “It’s all because of God and my family,” she says with humility.

The photographs’ global reach has also shone a spotlight on Zambia’s rich cultural heritage. While the series often features contemporary outfits, the underlying themes celebrate the vibrancy, resilience, and warmth of African traditions. The rural landscapes that serve as Margret’s backdrop further highlight the beauty of Zambia’s countryside, inspiring curiosity and admiration from audiences unfamiliar with the region.

Margret Chola’s meteoric rise from her small village to international stardom is a reminder of the power of authenticity. In a world increasingly dominated by curated perfection, her story stands out as genuine and heartfelt. Through the lens of fashion, Margret and Diana have not only redefined age-related stereotypes but have also built a bridge between generations and cultures.

Their collaboration is an ode to creativity, family, and the enduring spirit of reinvention. As Margret continues to light up the global stage with her infectious energy and striking style, she serves as a beacon of inspiration for all—proving that elegance truly knows no age.

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