Get ready to be dazzled, because Karine Vanasse is back, and she’s dressing to kill—literally. As the host of The Traitors Canada, Vanasse doesn’t just orchestrate a game of betrayal and murder; she does it in style, turning every episode into a fashion spectacle that’s as jaw-dropping as the show’s twists. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is her over-the-top wardrobe a brilliant distraction or a calculated power move? Let’s dive in.
As the CTV reality competition returns for its third season, Vanasse reprises her role as a wealthy, impeccably dressed character—sharing her name—who invites 22 guests to her manor. Their mission? Unmask the secret murderers among them before they become the next victims. But beyond the backstabbing and lies, it’s Vanasse’s bold, often outrageous outfits that steal the show. “I’m not here to look pretty,” she declares. “It’s about commanding the room, sparking reactions.” And boy, does she deliver.
Inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and riffing on the classic party game Werewolf, The Traitors has become a global sensation. Hosts worldwide embrace extravagant costumes, from Alan Cumming’s campy flair in the U.S. version to Claudia Winkleman’s subtler approach in the U.K. But Vanasse? She’s in a league of her own. And this is the part most people miss: her wardrobe isn’t just about fashion—it’s character development. In the Canadian version, her character exudes old money elegance, while in the French-language Les Traîtres, she’s a crypto queen. Talk about versatility!
With the new season of treachery underway (Tuesdays on CTV, extended cuts Wednesdays on Crave), Vanasse shared seven of her favorite looks that have left contestants—and viewers—in awe. “Each episode is a full day of hair, makeup, and transformation,” she reveals. “We live in the manor for a month, so every look is meticulously timed to match the game’s progression.”
Take, for instance, her big-sleeved coat from Season 1, Episode 3, designed by Toronto’s Dorian Rahimzadeh. “It’s something I’d wear personally, but it also amplified the character’s attitude at that moment,” she explains. Or her over-the-top ensemble in Season 1, Episode 8, where she experimented with volume and shape. “It was a statement: let’s go bold,” she recalls. “I wouldn’t wear it to dinner, but for The Traitors? Perfect.”
But it’s not just about the clothes. Vanasse’s hair, styled by Valeria Amirova, has become a character in itself. “We decided to play with it—what if she gets a new haircut every day? Let’s keep them guessing,” she says with a wink.
Her appreciation for Canadian talent shines through in outfits like the chic, edgy look by Montreal’s Gabriel Paul Caron (Season 2, Episode 8) and the whimsical finale dress by Tristan Réhel (Season 2, Episode 10), which she compares to something from Alice in Wonderland. “It’s about showcasing local designers while staying true to the character,” she notes.
For Season 3, Vanasse’s armor-like dress in Episode 1 sets the tone. “It restricts movement, but that’s the point,” she explains. “She’s ready for battle, ready to dominate the game.”
But here’s the question: Is Vanasse’s fashion-forward approach a genius strategy to distract contestants, or does it risk overshadowing the game itself? And does her character’s wealth and style make her more intimidating—or just more memorable? Let us know in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Karine Vanasse isn’t just hosting The Traitors Canada—she’s redefining what it means to dress for the occasion.
