A new style star has emerged from the misty Scottish highlands of BBC One's hit show The Traitors, potentially challenging host Claudia Winkelman's reign as the programme's fashion icon. While Claudia, 53, has long been celebrated for her dramatic capes and statement coats, it's contestant Jade Scott, 25, who is currently setting social media alight with her bold knitwear choices.
The Scene-Stealing Knit That Captivated Viewers
Jade made a memorable entrance during a breakfast scene at Ardross Castle, pairing a vibrant, multi-coloured cardigan with dazzling eye makeup that left viewers in shock. Fans quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to praise her look, with one writing: 'I'm sorry but Jade can't be banished when she's serving looks like this.' The attention has now shifted to identifying and sourcing the exact piece she wore, sparking a knitwear hunt amongst the show's dedicated followers.
The cardigan in question is the Hope Macauley Colourful Colossal Knit Cardigan, a hand-crafted design that remains available to purchase. This statement piece comes with a luxury price tag of £430 and is available in sizes small to extra large. It is described as the brand's "best selling, signature statement piece".
Craftsmanship and Ethical Credentials
This eye-catching garment is more than just a colourful layer. It is hand-knitted in Northern Ireland by Hope Macauley, a family-run business that employs around 20 knitters. Each cardigan features a unique label inside bearing the name of the individual artisan who made it. The brand uses a special "Colossal Yarn" that is hand-processed to achieve its perfect thickness and is knitted entirely by hand, without needles.
The cardigan is made from 100% responsibly sourced wool, certified for animal welfare, and uses dyes free from harmful chemicals. Its design features a signature knit stitch, bold contrasting colours, and a deliberately relaxed, slouchy fit. For those seeking a similar but different colourway, Hope Macauley also offers a Pastel version and a Bruna version in brown, beige, and pink, both at the same £430 price point.
High-Street Alternatives for Style on a Budget
Recognising that £430 is a significant investment, fashion fans will be pleased to know there are several stylish and more affordable alternatives on the high street to achieve Jade's look.
ASOS currently stocks two similar options from Kiwi & Co. The Hugs & Kisses hand-knitted bubble knit cardigan in pink and lime, made from acrylic, is now on sale for £55 (down from £65). The same brand also offers a Sweetheart Bubble Knit Jumper with a high neck and balloon sleeves for £59.90.
Next has entered the fray with a hand-stitched, heart-detailed bubble cardigan in cherry red, priced at £79. Meanwhile, Wolf & Badger offers the Marissa Bubble Stitch Stripe Jumper in purple and blue colourways, also for £79.
Claudia's Coat: A Lasting Style Legacy
While Jade may be the new knitwear queen, host Claudia Winkelman's sophisticated outerwear continues to inspire. In the recent series finale, she swapped her iconic capes for a stunning Bella Freud tweed coat, which retails for approximately £1,250. For fans seeking a similar aesthetic without the designer price, there are excellent alternatives.
Marks & Spencer offers a pure wool, belted long-line coat in coal grey, currently on sale for £260 (reduced from £325). ASOS also stocks a Topshop longline coat for just £130. These options capture the oversized, double-breasted silhouette that Claudia has made her own for braving the Scottish elements during filming.
The battle for the title of The Traitors' ultimate style icon is clearly heating up, proving that the show's fashion is as compelling as its gameplay. The Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
