By Selma Ferdjioui
Forget everything you thought you knew about fashion influencers, there’s a new icon redefining the game! Margret Chola, a Zambian grandmother in her mid-80s, is proving that age is just a number when it comes to style. With her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, by her side, Chola has taken social media and the fashion world by storm, earning the title “Legendary Glamma.”
How It All Began
Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, never imagined that a family visit to Zambia would spark a fashion movement. During her trip, she casually asked her grandmother, Margret, to try on a few of her outfits. The result? Instant magic. Diana posted a photo of Margret on Instagram, and within 10 minutes, the post had over 1,000 likes. “I was blown away,” Diana told BBC News. “The comments were pouring in, and everyone was asking for more.”
Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the duo continued posting, sharing Margret’s incredible looks with the world. In just seven months, Margret’s personal Instagram account has grown to 50,000 followers, while Diana’s account boasts over 212,000. The Legendary Glamma has since been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and more, cementing her status as a bona fide fashion icon.
A style LIKE NO ONE!
Margret Chola’s Instagram feed is a vibrant celebration of color, glamour, and individuality. From dazzling sequin dresses to oversized coats, bold heels, and quirky sunglasses, Margret wears it all with confidence and charisma. One standout post shows her posing regally beside her pet goat, while another pays homage to Zambia with an outfit inspired by the nation’s flag. Diana shares that many of the looks are rooted in Margret’s own history and personality. In one photo, Margret poses with her personal radio, an old but cherished companion. Other features her alongside a traditional mbaula, a Zambian cooking stove, symbolizing resilience and cultural pride.
A Bond Beyond Fashion
What started as a playful experiment has transformed not only Margret and Diana’s lives but also their relationship. The project has given them a chance to connect on a deeper level and celebrate their shared heritage.
“Do not write off elders,” Diana emphasizes. “Love them just the same till the end because, remember, we’ll be just like them one day.”
Margret’s message to the world is equally powerful: “Live your life fully and don’t worry about being judged by society.”
What’s Next for Legendary Glamma?
As Margret Chola continues to dazzle the world with her unique style, her story is a reminder that fashion is timeless, and self-expression knows no age limits. Whether it’s on the cover of magazine or in her backyard in Zambia, Margret proves that true style comes from within, and a little sparkle never hurts.
The Legendary Glamma isn’t just a fashion influencer; she’s a movement.
Selma Ferdjioui
Writer
Expected to receive her journalism degree (BA) in December of 2024, Selma has developed a skill in writing poignant stories on a diverse range of topics. She later plans to continue her education by getting a master's degree.
Her love for writing and telling stories began when she was young. Selma would write essays discussing her opinions on different topics and would then share it with her friends and family. This made her develop a real passion for writing. As a journalist, Selma is mainly interested in writing about the multiple conflicts happening around the world, diversity and inclusion, immigration, mental health, women's rights, the development of the African continent and its history, as well as lighter topics, such as reviewing films and TV shows.
For her, Sayaspora is a way to share with the world stories about African women and she hopes that her work could make people see her beloved continent in a different light.
Images credits:
INSTAGRAM: @legendary_glamma
