Molly Cooper-Lawson shows off Romany roots with fabulous frock at Testwood Sports College prom - Hampshire

From the Southern Daily Echo

FORGET TV shows that have given viewers a glimpse into elaborate Traveller weddings. This is how Hampshire Traveller Molly does her fabulous prom.

Teenage Traveller Molly Cooper-Lawson displayed her Romany roots to mark the biggest date on the school leavers’ calendar.

The 16-year-old was the star of her school prom as she dazzled in an elaborate and oversized gown adorned with 4,000 crystals.

But there was one problem. The youngster’s dress was so big there was no room for a date in the traditional Romany horse and carriage.

Molly, who left Testwood Sports College this summer, said: “There wasn’t enough room for a date because of the dress so I’m meeting my girlfriends down there.”

Molly has prepared for her prom at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton for months.

Her dress was custom made in China before it was shipped to the family home.

A local dressmaker had to extend the bright blue dress because the petticoat was so large, it made the dress much shorter.

Mum-of-two Emma, 38, spent 35 hours attaching the thousands of crystals.

She said: “It has been prom fever in our house for months but she looks absolutely beautiful. The look is very sparkly but I’d have gone mad if it wasn’t.”

Molly, who wore a sparkling tiara and glitter hairspray in her long black locks which were decorated with more crystals and the delicate flowers gypsophila, took hours in the sweltering heat yesterday at her grandma Viv’s house in Totton to make sure her fake tan, long lashes, eyebrows, extensions and make up were perfect.

She said: “It is so hot under here and very heavy. It’s like a hot air balloon isn’t it? I feel massive but I feel like a princess.”

Her second cousin ten-year-old Paddy Browne shouted out: “If anyone wants to play hide and seek under that dress, they wouldn’t be found for a zillion years.”

Dozens of Molly’s family from the Traveller community turned out to support her while she got ready and wave her off on friend Steven James’ decorated horse and trap.

As relatives laughed as they all helped push the layers of dress into the carriage, proud dad Wayne, 37, a landscaper, said: “I’m stuck for words. She just looks amazing and I can’t thank the family enough for all their help.”

Even Molly’s pet terrier Dolly did not miss out – getting dressed up in a tutu.

Molly is one of 38 great-grandchildren of 87-year-old Louisa Wells, known as Louie, who was one of the last Gypsies to leave the Shave Green compound in the New Forest in the 1960s and whose death in November last year brought Totton to a standstill as her hearse was followed by flat bed trucks carrying impressive floral tributes.