This Grandma With Her Chunky Sunglasses Is Giving Fashion A Run for Its Money!

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Sometimes, the most unexpected style icons come from places we'd never think of. Take this grandmother, for example. With a pair of chunky sunglasses and a fearless attitude, she's turned heads and captured the internet's attention, reminding us that style knows no age. What started as a playful experiment has blossomed into a fashion statement that's both bold and timeless. Want to know more, read on.

The Legendary Glamma

In rural Zambia, an 85-year-old grandmother has become an unexpected style icon, stealing the hearts of over 225,000 Instagram followers. Known as "Legendary Glamma," Margret Chola rose to fame after teaming up with her granddaughter, Diana Kaumba, a stylist based in New York City.

Their creative project, the Granny Series, started in 2023 as a fortnightly photoshoot, blending high fashion with the wisdom of age. Ms Chola steps into bold, modern outfits styled by Diana, creating striking images that celebrate their cross-generation bond.

"These clothes make me feel like a new woman," Mrs Chola told BBC with a proud smile. "I never thought fashion would make me feel this alive!" Her confidence radiates through every photo, earning her admiration from people across the globe.

For Diana, the series is more than just fashion, it's a way of honouring her grandmother's spirit and sharing their unique connection with the world. Together, they're proving that style has no age limit.

Photo Credit: Instagram

The Origin Of The Idea

The idea for the Granny Series was born during an emotional visit to Zambia, where Diana Kaumba was marking the second anniversary of her father's passing. He was the one who sparked her love for fashion, always impeccably dressed and effortlessly stylish.

While in Zambia, Diana realised she hadn't worn all the outfits she'd brought with her. Turning to her grandmother whom she lovingly calls "Mbuya" in Bemba she asked if she'd like to try some on.

"I wasn't doing anything at the time, so I just said: 'Ok. If that's what you want to do let's do it , why not?'" Ms Chola recalled with a mix of humour and nonchalance.

But her next words carried the weight of her wisdom: "You will miss me when I die and at least this way you will be remembering me."

The Origin Of The Granny Series

The Granny Series began with a simple wardrobe swap. Diana Kaumba slipped into her grandmother's chitenge and top, while Ms Chola donned her first high-fashion outfit, a striking silver pantsuit.

"I thought it would be nice to dress up Mbuya in high fashion and then take photographs of her in her natural habitat," Diana shared with the BBC. That habitat is their family farm in the village of 10 Miles, just outside Lusaka, where tradition meets glamour.

The photos capture Ms Chola in her element, whether lounging on a leather sofa or seated elegantly on a wooden chair, surrounded by rustic scenery. Mango trees, maize fields, and exposed brick buildings with corrugated iron roofs frame her stylish transformations, creating a unique contrast that quickly captivated the internet.

Diana admits she was anxious when she posted the first photo. "I left my phone for 10 minutes, and in those 10 minutes there were 1,000 likes," she said, still amazed. "My mind was blown. The comments were flying in, and people were asking for more."

But it was in April 2024 that the project truly soared. Photos of Ms Chola in a red Adidas dress, layered gold necklaces, and a glittering crown went viral, cementing her status as "Legendary Glamma."

Being A Style Icon

Dressed in vibrant outfits that blend bold colours and textures, Ms Chola has mastered the art of self-expression through fashion. Her looks range from a green American football jersey paired with a frilly red skirt styled in the colours of the Zambian flag, to celebrate 60 years of independence, then a sequined blue, black, and green top adorned with striking golden snake jewellery.

Her personal favourite, however, is an ensemble that's both modern and deeply personal; jeans, a graphic T-shirt featuring her own image, and a blonde wig. "I had never worn jeans or a wig before so I was happy, and I was dancing," she says with a radiant smile.

Photo Credit: Instagram

On People's Reception

"It surprised me to hear that so many people around the world love me," Ms Chola admits. Without a birth certificate, she doesn't know her exact age, but her sense of wonder is unmistakable. "I didn't know I could make such an impact at this age."

For Diana, who has been a stylist since 2012, her grandmother's success is no mystery. "She has courage, grace and nails every look," she proudly says.

The Granny Series has become more than just a fashion project; it's a celebration of the fact that older generations still have so much to offer. Diana Kaumba wants to show the world that one should cherish and love elders, as one day we will be in their shoes.

For Ms Chola, the series is about living without fear of judgement and embracing the freedom to enjoy life. "Always forgive yourself for whatever mistakes you made. You can never change your past but you can change your future," she says, drawing strength from her own experiences.

Having faced many struggles growing up with limited education, marrying young, and escaping a difficult marriage she now finds a renewed sense of purpose in her global fame. "I'm now able to wake up with a purpose knowing that people around the world love to see me," she reflects. Through their work, both Diana and Ms Chola show that it's never too late to embrace joy and find new purpose.