Maura Higgins made quite an impression on the streets of New York City recently, stepping out in a daring nude illusion mini dress that immediately caught the attention of onlookers and photographers alike. The Irish TV personality, 35, best known as a star of ‘The Traitors US’, paired a deep plunging corset top with a short skirt and sheer stockings that put her legs firmly on display. She topped the ensemble with a chic pillbox hat complete with a flowing veil, adding a theatrical, high-fashion touch to the already bold look. Towering heels rounded out the outfit, giving her added height and drama as she navigated the city sidewalks.
What truly elevated the look to another level was the accessory on her arm. Higgins carried a black leather Hermès Birkin bag worth approximately $25,000, one of the most coveted and recognizable luxury handbags in the world. She kept her jewelry minimal, allowing the bag and the outfit to speak for themselves without any distractions. Page Six was among those to capture her strutting through the city, noting she looked every bit the style icon she has become. The photos quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention and admiration from fans.
Beyond her fashion choices, Maura has been notably candid in recent interviews about her personal life and the trust issues she carries from past relationships. Speaking to Elite Daily, she opened up about a difficult pattern in her romantic history, saying “I’ve already got severe trust issues. I’ve been cheated on by the majority of my exes, that’s the reason I’ve been celibate for a whole year.” She also acknowledged that her experiences have fundamentally changed how she approaches new relationships, adding “I don’t trust men anyway. If I wasn’t used to that kind of guy, I reckon I would’ve been crying, storming out, never speaking to him again.”
Her self-described investigative approach to dating has become something of a personal trademark for Maura. In a separate interview with Glamour Magazine, she admitted that going through a partner’s phone is something she has done and fully intends to do again, stating “I’ve turned into a bit of an investigator because men have done me dirty.” She acknowledged the moral grey area involved, saying “We call it red because it’s not okay to go through someone’s phone, but I’m going to do it again.” Her honesty about the behavior has sparked plenty of conversation among fans who relate to the frustration behind it.
Maura’s romantic history has played out largely in the public eye. She first gained widespread fame on ‘Love Island’, where she coupled up with Curtis Pritchard, and later had a relationship with fellow islander Chris Taylor. More recently, she was linked to professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who is known for his appearances on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Each relationship attracted significant media coverage, and despite the heartbreak she has spoken about openly, Higgins continues to carry herself with confidence and humor. Her willingness to discuss her experiences so directly has endeared her to a loyal fanbase that appreciates her no-filter approach.
"Traitors" star Maura Higgins was spotted out and about in NYC. 🖤 📸: GC Images pic.twitter.com/Irlh8rbnQo
— Page Six (@PageSix) March 3, 2026
Higgins first rose to fame as a contestant on ‘Love Island’ in 2019, quickly becoming one of the most memorable personalities in the show’s history thanks to her sharp wit and charismatic screen presence. Born in Longford, Ireland, she began her career as a grid girl in motorsport before transitioning into television. Her move to American reality television with ‘The Traitors US’ marked a significant step in her international profile, introducing her to a much wider audience across the Atlantic.
The Hermès Birkin bag that Maura carried is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive fashion accessories in the world. Named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, the bag was created in 1984 following a chance meeting between Birkin and then-Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight. Waitlists for the bag can stretch for years, and prices vary significantly depending on the leather, hardware, and size, with rare versions fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. Owning one is considered a status symbol in the world of high fashion, and celebrities are frequently photographed carrying them.
‘The Traitors’, the reality competition series that helped bring Maura to American audiences, is based on a Dutch format and involves a group of contestants living together in a castle while some secretly work to eliminate others. The American version, hosted by Alan Cumming, became a massive hit for Peacock and drew in millions of viewers. The show has been praised for its psychological complexity and the dramatic twists that unfold throughout each season. Maura’s participation helped cement her reputation as a personality who thrives in high-pressure, high-visibility environments.
If you have thoughts on Maura’s bold NYC street style or her refreshingly honest take on love and trust, share them in the comments.
