Skip to content

'Utter surprise as Claudia Winkleman wore my top'

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageBBC A promotional shot for the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors with Claudia Winkleman standing in the middle. The setting is a church with light coming in through the windows. Claudia is standing in the aisle with the celebrities gathered around her in the pews.BBC
Genevieve Sweeney's design was worn by Claudia Winkleman for the promotional shots for the new series of Celebrity Traitors

A clothes designer has spoken of her "utter surprise" as Claudia Winkleman wore one of her creations for the publicity shots for the BBC's Celebrity Traitors show.

The pictures show the host wearing the jacquard-knit "Lin" vest by luxury knitwear designer Genevieve Sweeney, who is based near Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

She was told two months ago that it would be worn for the show, but she said she "never imagined for a minute that it would be in this iconic look for the main press imagery".

Sweeney created the design for Winkleman. Celebrity Traitors is back on our screens this Thursday evening.

News imageGrandey's Place A clothes designer putting together a dark coloured vest which sits on a mannequin. She is smiling as it looks like she is weaving a pattern on the outfit. She has long brown hair and is wearing a dark blue jumper with a necklace over the top. There is a clothes rack in the background with items hanging from it.Grandey's Place
The designer's vest is made from Scottish spun lambswool mingled with sparkly, sustainable viscose

The vest is a deep charcoal and teal colour and made of jacquard fabric featuring intricate patterns woven directly into the material.

Sweeney said she took inspiration from the irregular marks made by lichen on branches to form a modern take on traditional tartan.

It was knitted in Leicester from Scottish spun lambswool mingled with sparkly, sustainable viscose, and put together by hand back at her studio at Grandey's Place, near Great Hadham Country Club.

The promotional shots for Celebrity Traitors are widely featured in print, social media, the BBC iPlayer and even on a gigantic mural in Manchester.

Sweeney said it was "an incredible moment and an utter surprise to see my Lin vest worn by Claudia in the publicity shots".

News imageClaudia Winkleman wearing a dark jacquard-knit "Lin" vest with sparkly, sustainable viscose over the top of a white long-sleeved shirt. She is standing in the aisle of a church with candles in the background. It is a promotional shot for Celebrity Traitors.
Sweeney says she has dreamed of Claudia wearing one of her designs which will be seen by millions of viewers

Celebrity Traitors is billed as the ultimate test of deceit and betrayal, but it has become almost as well-known for Claudia's eclectic Highland wardrobe featuring signature chunky knits, tartans, fingerless gloves and all-round gothic chic.

"Claudia Winkleman's looks on the show are as highly anticipated as London Fashion Week, if not more," said Sweeney.

"Her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, is incredibly supportive of independent British brands and I love how she mixes high-end with accessible pieces.

"The show is a huge moment in fashion and popular culture and I have dreamed of seeing Claudia in GS knitwear. Millions of viewers see your designs being worn. It's an incredible spotlight on any small business."

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links