From Magee to Karen Millen, how chic Irish brands are helping The Traitors Ireland to dress, style and ultimately create Siobhán McSweeney's cheeky 'Lady Muck' persona - as we rate her top outfit from one thrilling episode to the next...

The last fortnight has seen the nation gripped by suspense as season two of The Traitors Ireland has unfolded on RTÉ. 

The ratings boosting drama was a huge success last year not only thanks to the scheming and skullduggery of the competitors but also the amazing costumes sported by host extraordinaire, Siobhán McSweeney.

Her bespoke wardrobe in series one allowed the actress to dramatically indulge her passion for fashion while also using it to craft her character and add layers of innuendo and playfulness to her Lady Muck persona. 

It was gothic glam delivered with an arched eyebrow, a knowing wink and a confident sense of style. 

So, needless to say that expectations for her outfits this year were high and we have not been disappointed.

Former Derry Girls' favourite McSweeney has again created a striking collection of looks with the assistance of series stylist, Anne O’Shea. 

The duo work well together and have drawn on the talents of an array of Irish designers, vintage and high street to dress McSweeney in dazzling finery with strong Irish accents. 

Here we review her outfits from the first six episodes and how they have defined her as a style icon with a devilishly dark edge.

Episode One

To welcome the contestants McSweeney wore a sculptural black Magee 1866 Donegal tweed cape lined with lush deep burgundy taffeta paired with a full-length tweed skirt with 3D bubble detailing. 

It was a bold avant-garde look and designer Holly Marie Gallagher aptly describes her work as ‘wearable art made in Donegal’. It also kept the glamorous yet Gothic aesthetic, while nodding to Ireland’s native textile heritage.

Episode Two

The combination of the rich red burgundy Clover cardigan by Ireland’s Eye Knitwear and the PVC skirt with textural gathering by Mia Walsh Studios is artfully done. 

The softness and sensuality of the knit is cosy, yet the shiny surface and shape of the skirt adds an undercurrent of danger – while the chunky boots by Sole Bliss suggest that McSweeney is not to be messed with. 

The Clover is already a screen favourite having appeared in Bad Sisters, and this appearance will no doubt drive sales again.

Episode Three

Here a classic tailored monochrome look is given an added edge thanks to the androgynous silhouette, dramatic fringed trousers and minimal headpiece. 

The tailcoat and earrings are from Vintage Finds You, the fringed trousers are by European designer, Julia Allert Brand, and the brooch by Delphi Antiques, with the headpiece by Michelle Kearns Designs.

Episode Four

This lime-green fair isle knit with a cheeky shamrock motif by Black and Beech was paired with purple bloomer-style, Free People trousers and a purple wax-style coat by Irish brand Jack Murphy for contrast. 

This is a much more rustic or agricultural vibe, but the sharp colours give it a fashion edge, and an injection of humour. The tractor adds the finishing rural flourish.

Episode Five

This minimalist black Xenia coat was understated and cool, but the dramatic funnel neck added a distinctive accent. 

McSweeney looked elegant yet somewhat severe in this architectural style with patch pockets paired with her own trousers. 

The jewellery – a brooch from Delphi Antiques and earrings from Vintage Finds You, elevated the sombre shade while the chunky Sole Bliss boots added a pop of accent colour.

Episode Six

For her scarecrow cameo, McSweeney adopted a Barbour-style coat by Karen Millen paired with a Black and Beech knitted beret, and an upcycled, feather trimmed Magee knit which was re-fashioned by Zipyard in Swords. 

The earthy colours and feather accents tipped a nod to scarecrow-inspired style while the vintage brooch by Delphi Antiques added a pop of subtle glamour.