UK gypsies live on the outside of society and there are more than 300,000 travellers living in the Britain. Many are Irish or Roma. Their biggest,traditions which will be explored in this series, are the milestones in life where modern and ancient fashions collide. Thelma Madine is the coveted dressmaker in this culture. Each bride approaches her wanting a dress bigger than any she’s ever created, no matter the cost or weight of the dress. Yes, I said weight! Little Margaretha went to Thelma for her first communion dress, which is another rite of passage that is done up huge in gypsy culture, right down to the huge dress which had more than 500 yards of pink netting and more than 5,000 crystals. This seven-year old wore a dress than weighed more than she did, and yes, to a communion!! Sixteen-year old Josie, getting married to 19-year old Swanley, had her dress created with Thelma, too. Her dress weighed more than 70 pounds and included a thigh high opening in the front. Not to worry, she ditched the bundle of tulle after the traditional cake cutting so she could boogie down at her reception.
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