But Margret Chola, in her mid 80s, has become an internet sensation and accidental fashion icon after she agreed to swap clothes with her New York-based stylist granddaughter, Diana Kaumba.
So far, Chola has posed in silver platform shoes; baggy jeans with a T-shirt emblazoned with her photo; black biker boots; a green American football jersey with a layered frilly red dress styled as a skirt in the colours of the Zambian flag; and more, always paired with an assortment of accessories.
What started as a fun clothes swap with her granddaughter has given Margret Chola, in her mid 80s, a whole new lease of life – and inspired a host of fashion fans.
Chola’s image has featured on the cover of magazines, on the BBC and in other media outlets, is printed on T-shirts, and Kaumba has appeared on TV talkshows.
Kaumba, who credits Iris Apfel, a renowned New York designer and style icon who found fame in her 80s, as a major inspiration for the granny series, has received messages saying her grandmother is bold and inspiring.
