A Scottish fashion designer has been thrust into the spotlight after Claudia Winkleman wore two of her creations on the latest episode of The Celebrity Traitors.
The presenter appeared in knitwear by Edinburgh-based designer Judy R Clark during Friday night’s episode of the hit BBC series, which is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Highlands.
Winkleman wore Clark’s Ebony Puff Sleeve Knitted Jumper and Ebony Charcoal knitted tank, with both pieces hand-knitted in Glasgow. The appearance was a major moment for Clark, whose distinctive designs combine traditional Scottish materials with dramatic tailoring.
She had approached Winkleman’s stylist Sinead McKeefry after deciding that her work was a natural fit for the presenter’s now-famous gothic Highland style.
Clark said: “I’m thrilled Claudia is wearing my designs and her stylist and team have been wonderful.”
She added that the show’s support for independent and female-led designers meant a great deal to a small fashion business.
Winkleman’s wardrobe has become almost as much a talking point as the twists and betrayals on The Traitors.
Her combination of oversized knitwear, dramatic coats, tweed, tartan and boots has variously been described as “Highland Gothic”, “Tartan Noir” and “Gothic Heritage”, with viewers regularly searching for details of the clothes she wears.
Clark is now preparing for what has become known as the “Claudia effect”, where an appearance on the programme can create a sudden surge in interest in a designer or particular garment.
She said: “Her fashion moments are so big now, it’s all kept under lock and key.
“Everything she wears, people research and the fashion magazines – even Vogue – cover it.”
The designer creates hand-tailored womenswear from her Edinburgh studio, using materials including Harris Tweed, Scottish lace and heritage fabrics. She had previously completed an internship with the late Alexander McQueen in London before establishing her own fashion house.
Her designs have been worn by figures including Annie Lennox, KT Tunstall, Freya Ridings and Courtney Love. Her work has also been recognised by British Vogue and Vogue Italia, while she has won Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards.
Clark said part of the identity of her label comes from keeping production and materials closely connected to Scotland. She uses Scottish lace, wool made in the Borders and Harris Tweed from the Western Isles, combining them in garments made in Scotland.
The designer is also a fan of The Traitors herself and said her children were particularly excited about seeing her work on the programme.
The Celebrity Traitors has returned as one of the BBC’s biggest programmes, with Winkleman’s distinctive wardrobe again becoming a major part of the show’s wider appeal.