Scottish fashion designer braced for ‘Claudia effect’ after Traitors boost

Image source, Judy R ClarkImage caption, Judy R Clark trained at Alexander McQueen before launching her own fashion label

A Scottish fashion designer is braced to enjoy the "Claudia effect" after her designs were worn on Celebrity Traitors.

Judy R Clark has been secretly working with presenter Claudia Winkleman's stylist after realising her dramatic creations were perfect for the show.

Several items were hand-delivered under strict conditions and Winkleman was seen wearing them on the latest episode.

Such is the interest in what the host wears, that the designer is bracing herself for a massive influx of attention.

Image caption, Winkleman wore Clark's handmade knitted jumper on Friday's episode of Celebrity Traitors

"I'm thrilled Claudia is wearing my designs and her stylist and team have been wonderful," Clark told BBC Scotland News.

"They have really been supporting female designers and British-made fashion. It's nice to put the spotlight on small businesses and it really means a lot."

Winkleman's fashion has become a major part of the hit show, with multiple articles written about her signature style, coining names for her style like "Highland Gothic", "Haute Heritage", "Tartan Noir" and "Gothic Heritage".

A mix of rich wool and tartan, tweed and luxury knits are her signature style on the show, filmed at Ardross Castle in the Highlands.

Viewers saw Clark's Ebony Puff Sleeve Knitted Jumper and her Ebony Charcoal knitted tank, both hand-knitted in Glasgow.

Image source, Jodie MannImage caption, Judy R Mann's puff sleeve sweater that Claudia Winkleman wore on Celebrity Traitors

Winkleman's stylist Sinead McKeefry has championed UK designers and an appearance on the show can be a massive boost to an independent fashion brand.

The Traitors host is not the first celebrity to be drawn to Clark's designs. She has dressed many other famous women – many of them Scots – including singers Annie Lennox, KT Tunstall, Freya Ridings and Courtney Love.

She said: "This is different because it's a thing on TV watched by nine million people.

"It's a big moment. Seeing them on stage and artists perform in them, they take on the performance.

"But here, they take on Claudia's personality and it's amazing to see them worn differently with jeans and boots rather than dressed up to the Victorian nines."

Image source, Jodie MannImage caption, Clark's knitted tank was also used in the show, aligning with Winkleman's personal style

Clark is known for her hand-tailored womenswear, crafted in Edinburgh using Harris Tweed, Scottish lace and carefully sourced heritage textiles.

A first-class honours graduate of Heriot-Watt University, she interned with the late Alexander McQueen before establishing her own label, describing her style as "traditional tailoring with contemporary femininity".

She was recognised by British Vogue as One to Watch and praised by Vogue Italia as "Romantic Art". She was also named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards and Best Luxury Scottish Womenswear Designer 2025.

Image source, BBC/Studio LambertImage caption, Viewers are desperate to see what Winkleman wears in the show and many then investigate where the pieces came from

Fashion lovers pay keen attention to what Winkleman is wearing and the "Claudia Effect" can see items sell out.

Clark 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.

"I am ready for that – if people want handmade Scottish fabrics, not fast fashion. It's all made to order special pieces."

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