Zambian Grandmother Becomes Global Style Icon Through High-Fashion Photoshoots

An octogenarian grandmother has become an international sensation by blending her rural lifestyle with high fashion, inspiring audiences worldwide. She resides in a quiet farming village near Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

Margret Chola, believed to be in her mid-80s, has gained fame through an Instagram account managed by her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a New York City-based stylist.

The octogenarian has 119,000 followers on her Instagram handle @legendary_glamma. Photos by @luxuryphotographyzambia

The account, @legendary_glamma, has amassed 119,000 followers. It showcases Chola in striking outfits, ranging from elegant gowns and statement accessories to traditional Zambian tools and settings.

“I feel different; I feel new and alive in these clothes, in a way that I’ve never felt before,” Chola said in an interview with the BBC. “I feel like I can conquer the world … I didn’t know I could make such an impact at this age.”

The grandma who has become an accidental fashion icon | Zambian Digest

Kaumba initiated the project during a visit to Zambia last year to mark the second anniversary of her father’s death. She was inspired by her father’s influence on her creativity and fashion sense, so she involved her grandmother in a unique tribute.

Kaumba dressed Chola in bold, glamorous ensembles and photographed her against the backdrop of their rural surroundings, combining high fashion with the simplicity of village life.

The grandma who has become an accidental fashion icon

The idea immediately resonated with Chola. “I wasn’t doing anything then, so I just said: ‘OK. If that’s what you want to do, let’s do it — why not?’” she recalled. For Chola, the photos also hold a personal significance. “You will miss me when I die, and at least this way, you will remember me,” she said.

Chola’s granddaughter, NYC-based stylist Diana Kaumba, launched an Instagram account about her grandmother last year. Photos by @luxuryphotographyzambia

The first post, featuring Chola in a silver pantsuit, quickly gained attention online. “I was so nervous when I posted that first photo. I left my phone for 10 minutes, and in those 10 minutes, there were 1,000 likes,” Kaumba shared.

Encouraged by the response, the pair continued sharing images, with one post in April—showing Chola in a red Adidas dress, layered necklaces, and a crown—propelling the account to viral fame.

Beyond fashion, the photos reflect Chola’s heritage and everyday life. Some images show her holding a macula, a traditional charcoal brazier, or an ibende, a wooden stick used for pounding millet, blending her Zambian roots with high-fashion flair.

Image Credit – Instagram of @thevintagepoint

Chola’s newfound fame has transformed her perspective on ageing and purpose. “I’m now able to wake up with a purpose, knowing that people worldwide love to see me,” she said. For her followers, she is more than just a model; she symbolises creativity, resilience, and the joy of self-expression at any age.

Legendary Glamma’: How Zambia’s Margret Chola became a fashion icon

The unexpected success of @legendary_glamma has proven that style knows no boundaries and that it’s never too late to inspire others.

Chola, with her radiant confidence and unique approach to fashion, continues to delight fans around the globe, turning each photoshoot into a celebration of life and legacy.