Since the premiere of the latest season of Celebrity Traitors last Thursday, the show has gained notable attention not only for its gameplay but also for its impact on fashion trends. Claudia Winkleman, the 54-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing presenter, has emerged as a prominent style influence, driving a marked resurgence in kilts, tweed, and distinctive high-end designs featured throughout the series.
Winkleman’s stylist, Sinead McKeefry, who also recently launched a capsule collection with the high street brand FatFace, has curated a wardrobe that blends avant-garde designer pieces with elements inspired by Highland aesthetics. Among Winkleman’s standout looks are a Comme des Garçons shirt featuring a prominent bubbled ruff, vintage tartan trousers designed by Vivienne Westwood, and the Marron waxed cropped jacket by Barbour. These choices, paired with accessories such as Bottega Veneta biker boots and Nili Lotan trousers, have helped elevate her to one of the season’s most influential fashion figures.
The show’s celebrity participants also showcase a varied and often sophisticated array of clothing, surpassing the style displays seen in previous seasons. Richard E Grant, 69, has incorporated Burberry’s signature check pattern in scarves and the lining of his coat, added to a Belstaff leather jacket, reflecting his longstanding connection to the brand. Maya Jama, a 32-year-old presenter and former Vogue cover model with campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and Agent Provocateur, made a striking entrance wearing a £2,000 Saint Laurent trench coat. Her ensemble included a statement “Mongolian Bolero” coat by the lesser-known London label Agro Studio, worn at the first round table, which drew attention for its considerable size and bold presence.
Other notable fashion moments include Jerry Hall, 70, who brought a fusion of Texan style and Highland elements to the castle, opting for a tasselled suede safari jacket, a black maxiskirt, and cowboy boots. Industry actress Myha’la appeared in vintage Moschino, while comedian Joe Lycett sported an oversized blazer created by Charles Jeffrey, a designer associated with the club kid scene. Julie Hesmondhalgh contributed a regal tone to the proceedings, wearing a crimson A-line dress elevated by an ornate gold shield necklace.
The series also features accessible menswear options. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan was seen in a checked Carhartt jacket from a collaboration with designer Nicholas Daley, alongside a patterned Wax London overshirt, presenting styles likely to appeal to a broad demographic. Former Today host Amol Rajan’s sheepskin jacket and the occasional styling missteps by cast members like James Acaster add a relatable touch amid the more polished looks.
The increased attention to costume design reflects the growing role of stylists behind the scenes who carefully select and tailor each outfit to enhance both the individual participants’ presence and the overall aesthetic of the show. This heightened sartorial polish is evident through the season and extends beyond the competition itself, visible in extended content such as post-show podcasts.
Celebrity Traitors has thus cultivated a unique fusion of entertainment and fashion, where the investment in wardrobe choices underscores the evolving cultural influence of the program and the personalities within it.