Whether you’re a long-term stan of the UK’s version of The Traitors, or jumped on the bandwagon last season, you’ll know that host Claudia Winkleman’s looks elicit nearly as much reaction on social media as each ‘murder’ victim.
The work of stylist Sinead McKeefry, Winkleman’s wardrobe in previous seasons has given a nod to the show’s Highland setting. There have been tartan suits by Polo Ralph Lauren, cosy knits by Brora and Bella Freud, and a Le Kilt skirt. Plus pieces from Burberry were mixed with high street hits from the Zara, Kooples and ME+EM to ensure the outfits felt accessible to the show’s audience.
Sell-outs even ensued for some of the key pieces, including the Brora knit and her Johnstons of Elgin Houndstooth Coat.
Though for the latest series, the pair are taking a new direction with the style. Expect to see Winkleman go ‘gothic’ this time around, as she leans into the show’s macabre theme.
TV bosses have hinted that it’s largely down to the fact that the 53-year-old is appearing on screen alongside familiar faces this time around, with celebrities including Paloma Faith, Stephen Fry and Cat Burns starring in the show as the faithfuls and traitors.
“The celebrities bring it with the fashion a bit this year, coming into the castle with Highland outfits. They raised the game,” executive producer Sarah Fay told the Mail Online.
“We had to ensure Claudia could still command the space, as the puppet master overseeing the whole thing. I’d say Claudia looks a bit more punk-rocky this year,” she adds.
One of last season’s most shared looks might have something to do with it. Her stylist said: “We’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Claudia’s funeral look and run with it this year.” The tailored outfit included a Saint Laurent velvet blazer, a silk shirt from The Kooples, Spanx leggings and Saint Laurent Chelsea boots.
As for which item is likely to cause a shopping frenzy after episode one? Fay predicts that her “very killer boots will be a talking point.”
Previously, McKeefry told Grazia that Winkleman’s looks were a mix of “Ronnie Corbett meets Princess Anne meets Madonna (in the Guy Ritchie days!)”
No doubt this time around the outfits will be equally eclectic.
