Margret Chola, an 80-year-old grandmother from Zambia, has become an Internet sensation by participating in fun fashion campaigns with her granddaughter. Known as "Glamma Legendary", she has gained 225,000 followers on Instagram and has become a style icon. "I feel different, new, and alive in these clothes, in a way I have never felt before," Chola shared.
Chola, whose exact age is unknown as she does not have a birth certificate, expressed her surprise at the admiration generated by her participation in fashion photo shoots. "I was very nervous when I posted that first photo," she confessed. The grandmother, surrounded by fields and trees on her farm, has managed to connect with a global audience that loves her for her authenticity and unique style.
The idea for the fashion shoots originated when Diana Kaumba, stylist and Chola's granddaughter, suggested dressing her grandmother in high fashion and photographing her in her natural surroundings. Kaumba, based in New York, created the "Granny Series" in 2023, but it was in April 2024 when the virality peaked. A session with a red Adidas dress, golden necklaces, and a sparkling crown caught the public's attention and catapulted Chola's fame.
Although initially surprised by the unexpected fame, Chola now feels inspired by the positive impact she has on people. "Now I know that people all over the world love to see me. If that's what you want to do, let's do it. I feel like I can conquer the world," she shared enthusiastically. The grandmother hopes that her images motivate others to live without worrying about social judgment.
The contrast between fashion and the rural environment of Zambia, along with the grandmother's charm, has captivated thousands of followers on social media. Chola, posing in colorful clothing on her farm, conveys a sense of freshness and authenticity that has resonated globally. Her participation in the "Granny Series" is an inspiring reminder that style and joy have no limits, regardless of age or place of origin.