Margret Chola, a grandmother from a rural village in Zambia, has become an icon of reinvention and intergenerational collaboration. Thanks to the support of her granddaughter, Diana Kalezhi, a New York-based stylist, Margret has captured the world's attention. Their bond and collaboration reflect the confidence, creativity and courage needed to embrace individuality. Diana shared, "The shoot was impromptu and low risk, as these images were simply meant to live on my Instagram page." What she didn't know was that these posts would have an impact on how we view beauty and self-expression at any age. It's a reminder that no matter where you start from, your story can transcend far beyond your expectations.
Known on social media as @legendary_glamma, Margret has amassed more than 140,000 followers, including celebrities such as Rihanna and Viola Davis. Her maximalist style, which combines high-fashion garments with traditional Zambian elements, has been featured in media outlets such as Vogue Italia, BBC and The Guardian.
The photographic series, which shows Margret on her farm in Mungule, fuses fashion and everyday life. Elements such as the "ibende" (traditional stick) and the "mbaula" (charcoal brazier) are combined with quirky sunglasses and crowns, creating a unique aesthetic that celebrates vitality and creativity regardless of age.
Diana Kalezhi, inspired by the likes of Iris Apfel, seeks to challenge perceptions of old age. She aims to show that older people have much to offer and that fashion is a timeless form of expression. The series has been well received both in Zambia and internationally, inspiring many older people to embrace their individuality.
In addition to their social media success, Margret and Diana are working on a book entitled Accidental Fashion Icon, which compiles the best images from the series accompanied by personal anecdotes. A photo exhibition in New York is also planned for later this year. Through their collaboration, grandmother and granddaughter have demonstrated that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and intergenerational connection.
Source: theguardian.com; lipstickalley.com