In the mist-shrouded Highlands of Scotland, within the stone walls of Ardross Castle, a game of deception and psychological warfare unfolds. While the contestants of Peacock’s hit reality series The Traitors are busy hunting for lies and dodging "murder" in the dark, the audience’s attention is frequently hijacked by a different kind of drama: the wardrobe of the show’s host, Alan Cumming. Since the series debuted in 2023, Cumming has elevated the role of the reality host into a performance art piece, largely thanks to a sartorial narrative that blends Gothic mystery with high-fashion eccentricity. Behind every velvet cape, every perfectly tilted beret, and every intricate piece of jewelry is the mastermind of the look, celebrity stylist Sam Spector.
Spector, whose impressive roster includes stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Andy Samberg, and Kevin Jonas, has found a unique creative playground in The Traitors. The collaboration between the stylist and the Emmy-winning host has birthed an aesthetic that fans have dubbed "Highland Noir," but the process of achieving such effortless theatricality is far more complex than it appears on screen. Spector recently pulled back the curtain on the creative engine driving the show’s fashion, revealing that the most iconic looks are often born from a mix of high-concept vision and last-minute ingenuity.
The hallmark of the current fourth season, which premiered on January 8, is undoubtedly the "coffin coat." Debuting in the very first episode, the garment immediately went viral, setting the tone for a season defined by even bolder risks. However, Spector admits that even he was surprised by the visceral reaction to the piece. The coat, a structural marvel that appears both regal and macabre, was not a couture find from a Parisian runway. Instead, it was a testament to the "make-it-work" spirit of the wardrobe department. Spector and his team constructed the viral sensation using two off-the-rack coats, supplemented by cardboard for structural integrity and a meticulous application of beads.
Spector reflected on the garment’s journey from a concept to a cultural talking point, noting that before the cameras rolled, he was somewhat uncertain about its impact. He confessed that his initial feeling was "meh, fine," but the way the coat photographed against the atmospheric Scottish backdrop changed everything. Now, he views it as a definitive "standout" of the series. This unpredictability is a recurring theme in Spector’s work on the show. He noted that what works and what doesn’t is a constant source of surprise, as items he expects to be the "star of the series" sometimes fade into the background, while DIY projects like the coffin coat become the talk of the internet.
The evolution of Alan Cumming’s wardrobe is a direct reflection of the show’s meteoric rise in the cultural zeitgeist. In the first season, the style was established with a nod to traditional Scottish heritage, but as the show’s popularity grew, so did the license for theatricality. The core elements, however, remain rooted in Cumming’s personal preferences and his ancestral ties to Scotland. The host has a well-documented affinity for tartans, gloves, and jewels, all of which serve as the foundation for Spector’s designs.
The guiding philosophy behind the look is what Spector describes as the "fashion dandy." When conceptualizing the host’s persona, keywords like "glamorous James Bond villain" were thrown around. The result is a character who feels like he could either be hosting a high-stakes poker game in a hidden lair or presiding over a centuries-old secret society. It is a calculated blend of glamour, Scottish tradition, and a hint of cinematic villainy that perfectly complements the show’s themes of betrayal and hidden identities.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the production is how the wardrobe interacts with the game itself. Spector revealed that the missions—the physical and mental challenges the contestants face each episode—often dictate the wardrobe choices. For the "Easter egg" hunters in the audience, Alan’s breakfast looks are particularly significant. Spector intentionally hides clues about the day’s upcoming mission within these morning outfits. However, there is one line the fashion never crosses: the identity of the Traitors. Spector himself is kept in the dark regarding the game’s central mystery. Because he is not on-set in Scotland during filming, he experiences the show much like the viewers do, watching the episodes weekly to see his creations in action for the first time. He noted that he is not privy to the information of who is a Traitor and who is a Faithful, which allows him to maintain a sense of objective creativity.
While he doesn’t know who the "killers" are, Spector is occasionally given specific instructions to incorporate functional clues. He recalled being asked to add a specific accessory, like a key, that would later serve as a reference point in a quiz or a challenge. Beyond these rare functional requirements, the styling is a standalone narrative.
Logistically, the wardrobe for The Traitors is a high-wire act. Despite the opulence seen on screen, the production follows a surprisingly minimalist approach to quantity. Spector revealed that there are no backup outfits. Each episode is centered around a single, foundational look that is modified and embellished as the day progresses. The "breakfast look" is typically a pared-down version of what Cumming will wear during the mission. A plain suit might be worn for the morning meal, only to be heavily embellished with capes, pins, or specialized accessories for the afternoon challenge. By the time the contestants reach the high-tension "Round Table" in the evening, Cumming usually sheds the heavier layers, often appearing in just the vest or shirt to signify the gravity of the banishment process.
This "no-extra-looks" policy requires immense flexibility from the wardrobe team on the ground in Scotland. Because reality television is inherently unpredictable, the order of missions or the schedule of filming can change at a moment’s notice. Spector, despite being thousands of miles away, often receives frantic texts or calls as the production team reshuffles the deck. When an episode order is swapped, Spector must consult remotely on which pieces from the limited collection can be repurposed or moved to ensure the visual narrative remains cohesive.
This chaotic environment would stress many stylists, but Spector remains unfazed, citing his total confidence in his client. He describes Cumming as a "chameleon," an actor whose career on Broadway and in film has prepared him to inhabit any costume with total conviction. This versatility allows Spector to push the boundaries of menswear, knowing that Cumming’s charisma will carry even the most avant-garde pieces.
As Season 4 continues to captivate audiences, the fashion remains a vital component of the show’s allure. The current cast is a star-studded ensemble of reality royalty and cultural icons, all of whom bring their own distinct styles to the castle. Among those vying for the prize money are The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Lisa Rinna, whose own fashion sense is legendary, and Donna Kelce, the beloved mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce. The roster also includes Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, both known for their appreciation of high-octane costume drama, and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Monet X Change, who understands the power of a visual reveal better than anyone.
In a sea of famous faces, it is a testament to Spector’s vision that Alan Cumming remains the undisputed style protagonist of the series. By blending the ruggedness of the Scottish landscape with the polished menace of a classic film antagonist, Spector has created more than just a wardrobe; he has created a visual language for the show. As the season progresses and the stakes for the contestants rise, viewers can expect Cumming’s outfits to become even more daring, proving that in the world of The Traitors, the clothes are just as much a part of the game as the secrets they hide.
