Watch Little Shop of Gypsies

As a leading figure in the world of flamboyant wedding and prom dresses, Thelma Madine has made quite the name for herself over the years. Her creations have even found their way onto hit TV shows like "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". In 2012, TLC gave Madine her very own show called "Little Shop of Gypsies", which followed her as she went about her day to day business of crafting spectacular dresses for her clients.

The focus of the show was not solely on Madine, however. The series also introduced viewers to a number of her clients, whom she affectionately referred to as her "gypsy princesses". Each episode of the show followed Madine as she met with a new client, discussed their needs and desires, and set about designing and creating the perfect dress for them.

What set "Little Shop of Gypsies" apart from other shows about dressmaking was the extravagant nature of the dresses on display. Madine's clients were not looking for a simple white gown - they wanted something that would turn heads and be talked about for years to come. Some of the dresses featured on the show included giant pink tutus with layers upon layers of tulle, corseted bodices covered in Swarovski crystals, and even a dress made entirely out of feathers.

Madine was not just a dressmaker, but also a counsellor and confidante to the women who came to her for help. Many of her clients were from the traveller community, and some had experienced difficult situations such as domestic abuse or forced weddings. Madine listened to their stories with compassion and was always willing to go the extra mile to create a dress that would make them feel confident, beautiful, and empowered on their big day.

The show also offered viewers a glimpse into the world of traditional gypsy culture. For example, in one episode, Madine made a dress for a young traveller girl who was about to take part in a horse racing event. Madine paid a visit to the girl's mother, who showed her the special boots that her daughter would wear while riding. These boots were a family heirloom that had been passed down through generations and were considered to bring good luck to the wearer.

Despite the extravagant nature of the dresses, the show was not all about glitz and glamour. Madine was a down-to-earth woman who took pride in her work and was not afraid to get her hands dirty. Viewers saw her cutting fabrics, sewing seams, and even hand-dyeing lace in her workshop. Madine's passion for her craft was clear to see, and it was this dedication that made her so popular among her clients.

The show was not without its share of drama, however. In one episode, Madine's team faced a race against time to complete a dress for a client who had left things to the last minute. With just hours to go before the wedding, the dress was still not finished, and tensions were running high. In true Madine style, however, the team managed to pull it off, and the client was thrilled with her dress.

Overall, "Little Shop of Gypsies" was a heartwarming and entertaining show that provided a lot of insight into the world of gypsy culture and flamboyant dressmaking. Madine proved to be an engaging and entertaining host, while her clients were all incredibly likeable and relatable. If you're a fan of shows like "Say Yes to the Dress" or "RuPaul's Drag Race", then "Little Shop of Gypsies" is definitely worth a watch.