Margret Chola, an octogenarian fashion icon and social media sensation, hails from a small rural centre in Zambia. The images of the grand dame shot by her granddaughter Diana Kaumba, of which there are over 225,000 Instagram followers, have caused a storm worldwide. She has been baptized “Legendary Glamma”.
Kaumba designed
The Granny Series in 2023 as an outgrowth of a lighthearted experiment during her trip to Zambia to pay tribute to her father, who was recently deceased. The New York-based stylist took the opportunity to photograph her grandmother, affectionately known as “Mbuya,” in high-fashion ensembles against the rustic charm of her rural surroundings near Lusaka.
It all kicked off in April 2024 when a viral set of photos photographed Ms. Chola in a red Adidas dress and chunky golden necklaces plus a crown made of jewels. The images show natural flair that has been augmented by a rich palette of accents and pop art backdrops of mango trees, maize crops, and traditional Zambian farm life.
With three boundary lines drawn: the series sets some new boundaries while, at the same time, breaking many others.
Sequined tops with golden snake jewelry, layered dresses in the colors of the Zambian flag to mark 60 years of independence, or jeans and a graphic T-shirt featuring her image-these are some of the outfits sported by Ms. Chola. Her favorite outfit is apparently jeans, a graphic T-shirt with her picture on it, and a blonde wig; she had never worn either of these things before.I feel like I’m alive and strong in these costumes,” says Ms. Chola triumphantly, summarizing her newfound purpose in life. The kitsch elements she loves-shining through in some of the fashion shoots-are often evoked by objects such as the radio she adores or a brazier for cooking over an open flame, representative of her lifestyle and culture.
Empowering Generations
Kaumba’s project has not only spotlighted her grandmother’s elegance but also redetermined how society thinks of the aging process. “Older people have a lot to give,” Kaumba said, urging families to love and celebrate their elders. Inspired by the Granny Series, other granddaughters have commissioned Kaumba to style their grandmothers, spreading the message of love and intergenerational bonding even further.
A Resilience Journey
The life story of Ms. Chola is meant to be one struggling early on in adversity, married off young, yet overcoming personal challenges-that underline resilience. Her newfound fame brought her the same joy, a feeling of fulfillment, and in understanding to live life purely. “I wake up with a purpose now knowing people love to see me,” she urges, inviting all to living life audaciously, focusing on shaping a brighter future.
The Granny Series Inspires the World: Elements-though through fashion, culture, and storytelling-provide timeless beauty, wisdom, and nuance of elders to global audiences.
