Sinead McKeefry, the stylist behind Claudia Winkleman's iconic looks in the hit show "The Traitors," shares insights into her creative process.
The third season of "The Traitors" is underway, and viewers are captivated not just by the game, but by Claudia Winkleman's evolving wardrobe. Sinead McKeefry, Winkleman's stylist for the show, details her approach to dressing the presenter, drawing inspiration from the Scottish Highlands backdrop.
McKeefry, a graduate of Central Saint Martins with an MA in Knitwear, credits her early experience in a London shop for her career path. This sparked a career in fashion styling, leading to collaborations with notable figures like Billie Piper, Emma Bunton, and Mel B, and eventually Fearne Cotton on television.
Winkleman's partnership with McKeefry began over two decades ago. McKeefry's style choices for "The Traitors" are distinctly different from her signature looks on "Strictly Come Dancing." Her approach emphasizes a pared-back, relaxed aesthetic, informed by the show's locations.
The Highland backdrop has notably influenced Winkleman's wardrobe choices. McKeefry draws inspiration from the region's classic aesthetic, incorporating tweed and knitwear, and adapting the looks to suit the show's atmosphere.
From carefully planned outfits to quick fixes, McKeefry's approach to styling is adaptable and often responds to last-minute requests from producers. The stylist highlights the meticulous planning that goes into the wardrobe, often utilizing a blend of planned looks and spontaneous additions to create striking results, referencing a specific example of a hastily sourced accessory for a particular scene.
The challenges of designing outfits for a fast-paced show like "The Traitors" involve ensuring that each look aligns with the show's scenes and the evolving narrative. This is exemplified by the stylist's detailed planning and quick adjustments required to keep up with production demands.
While the style is carefully planned, McKeefry also praises Winkleman's own fashion sensibilities. Winkleman is frequently involved in the creative process, offering input and inspiration to further refine the final looks.
Iconic looks, such as the auctioned-off overcoat from previous seasons, are both carefully planned and sometimes arise from unexpected circumstances. These pieces are often designed with both aesthetic appeal and charitable causes in mind, with proceeds from auctions of iconic looks supporting various charities.
McKeefry remains open about the challenges of creating enduring iconic looks while keeping the show's evolving narrative in mind. She points out that capturing a standout look is challenging; a look might be visually appealing but fail to be memorable.
Finally, McKeefry emphasizes that Winkleman's natural style and fashion awareness are instrumental in the overall success of the outfits. She credits Winkleman's own enthusiasm for fashion and involvement in the creative process as key factors.
