Ever since first the word “traitor” became significant in the collective consciousness, the undisputed style star synonymous with the show has been Claudia Winkleman. But now that a cast of 19 celebrities has entered Ardross Castle in Scotland, our host’s crown might well be stolen – or at least shared around.
Last night, the opening episode of Celebrity Traitors brought a feast of new fashion codes to dissect. Among the sea of statement suits, virginal white dresses, bizarre “I love me” ensembles and more than a smattering of tartan, the key takeaway was this: first impressions matter. This is a game in which every move and comment is ripe for interpretation, but what is “said with the chest” is just as significant.
The Traitors’ host Claudia Winkleman has developed a distinctive ‘Highland goth’ aesthetic throughout series past – Cody Burridge
Winkleman, of course, needn’t worry about making an impression. Together with longtime stylist Sinead McKeefry, The Traitors’ host has developed a distinctive “Highland goth” aesthetic throughout series past, wrought in statement Brora knits, chic Le Kilt skirts, sharp Bella Freud tailoring and a never-ending array of wrist warmers. For many viewers, her ensembles have become just as engaging as the Machiavellian tactics on show.
Is she toning it down to make way for the big names in the castle this year? McKeefry has said that this time around, they will riff on the memorable “funeral look” (a Saint Laurent velvet blazer and signature Spanx leggings) Winkleman wore in the last series. Executive producer of The Traitors Sarah Fay, meanwhile, has hinted that the contestants’ outfits will shine. “The celebrities bring it with the fashion a bit this year,” she told Mail Online. “They raised the game.”
Contestants were tasked with digging through ‘graves’ to win a shield protecting them from elimination – Euan Cherry
That’s not to say Winkleman doesn’t look as brilliant as ever, nor that interest in her will wane (Google searches are up 622 per cent in the last 24 hours). Last night, her Givenchy boots were a highlight, their triple buckle detail and bold fold-over silhouette appearing gloriously ill-suited to stomping around the Scottish Highlands.
The cashmere fingerless wristwarmers were back, as well as a statement cape that read “Celebrities” on the reverse in Bella Freud-esque font (though it’s actually from Luxury Family Affair brand). But what messages were stitched into the celebrities’ outfits?
In the pink
Jonathan Ross styled a pink check blazer worn over a black turtleneck – Euan Cherry
A similarly bold – though rather more stylish – pink choice was Jonathan Ross’s check blazer, worn over a black turtleneck that felt equal parts Andy Warhol and Pierce Brosnan’s Bond (fitting that Winkleman swiftly granted him a licence to kill). “The turtleneck grounds the look and communicates intellect, sophistication and introspection,” Mair explains. “His overall appearance portrays his high self-esteem and social ease.”
The Church of Charlotte
Charlotte Church exuded an air of pastoral innocence in a white dress with a ruched waist – Euan Cherry
Charlotte Church seemed to be exuding an air of pastoral innocence in a white dress with a ruched waist and broderie anglaise detailing. This proved to be a mistake when the contestants were tasked with digging through “graves” on their hands and knees. It might have been effective in other ways, however. “The celestial motifs and gentle craftsmanship hint at intuition and individuality,” says Mair. “This projects an image of someone who is both reflective and confident in their natural presence, elegant without artifice, expressive without excess.”
Keep it in check
Singer-songwriter Cat Burns opted to arrive in a quintessential Highlands print wearing a check bomber – Euan Cherry
Statement dressing might have been intended as a diversionary tactic, but fans of the programme will know that drawing too much attention to one’s self early on never ends well. This was likely on the minds of those contestants who opted to arrive in a quintessential Highlands classic: tartan. There was 25-year-old singer-songwriter Cat Burns in a check bomber, actress Ruth Codd in a red blazer and, most stylishly of all, Kate Garraway in a teal and chocolate brown scarf coat. Commendable efforts to fit into their surroundings? Perhaps.
Tailored to a tee
Stephen Fry sent a smart-casual message opting for a royal blue blazer worn over a yellow cardigan – Euan Cherry
Others turned to tailoring to send a smart-casual message, notably Tom Daley in chinos, a tie and a herringbone blazer (Winkleman also turned to the classic weave in a Chloe jacket during the episode). Stephen Fry struck a similar note in a royal blue blazer worn over a yellow cardigan. “Muted tones and textured fabrics project quiet confidence,” says Mair. “Both present a polished yet relaxed intellectual style.”
Faith’s self-affirmation
Paloma Faith made a loud statement wearing an ‘I love me’ vest – Euan Cherry
The loudest statement of all came from Paloma Faith, whose matching “I love me” vest and baseball cap were impossible to miss. “This is a playful, self-referential statement piece,” says fashion psychologist Dr Carolyn Mair. “She is aware of how she’s perceived and enjoys subverting expectations. Pink symbolises warmth, charm, creativity and an affectionate nature, but here it’s likely used with irony and humour, turning a colour often coded as ‘sweet’ into something bold and cheeky.” Only time will tell whether this gamble pays off.
Do we have a style winner already?
Alan Carr arrived in a chic tonal look comprising a russet shirt, check trousers and a fawn-toned double-breasted blazer – Euan Cherry
But the clear winner of the tailoring game was Alan Carr. The comedian’s antics meant that he’s already become a viewer favourite, but just as entertaining as his nervous cackles was his evident flair for fashion. Carr arrived in a chic tonal look comprising a russet shirt, check trousers and a fawn-toned double-breasted blazer accessorised with a pair of brooches on the lapel – very Miu Miu-coded.
“I didn’t come all this way and pack a load of fabulous outfits to go home first,” he said, early on in the episode. The message was clear: Carr will be the style star of the series, just as long as he doesn’t get voted out. Consider us hooked.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
