Joseph Announces Mario Arena as New Creative Director for Spring 2026
Key Takeaways:
• New Leadership: Mario Arena, formerly of JW Anderson, has been appointed creative director of Joseph.
• First Collection: Arena’s debut collection for Joseph will be for Spring 2026.
• Experienced Designer: With over 30 years in luxury fashion, Arena brings expertise from roles at JW Anderson, Nanushka, and Christopher Kane.
• London Move: Arena will lead Joseph’s design team from its newly established studio in southwest London, marking the brand’s shift back from Paris.
• Legacy: Arena succeeds co-creative directors Anna and Frederik Dyhr, continuing Joseph’s commitment to contemporary luxury design.
Mario Arena Takes the Helm as Joseph’s Creative Director
Joseph has appointed Mario Arena, a seasoned designer with over three decades of experience, as its new creative director. Arena, who most recently served as director of product and design at JW Anderson, will unveil his first collection for Joseph in Spring 2026.
Based at Joseph’s newly created London design studio, Arena will oversee a unified team comprising design, product development, and production under one roof at the brand’s headquarters. The move to London signifies a pivotal moment for Joseph, which has traditionally operated from Paris in recent years.
Joseph’s CEO, Barbara Campos, expressed confidence in Arena’s vision, describing him as a “highly talented creative” who will shape the brand’s next chapter.
Arena himself paid homage to Joseph Ettedgui, the brand’s founder, calling him a “visionary” and noting his influence on modern design and retail. “The rich heritage and timeless design codes have always been an inspiration to me in my career,” Arena shared.
The Casablanca-born Ettedgui established Joseph in 1966 as a multibrand boutique and launched the eponymous label 17 years later. Known for its luxurious yet practical wardrobe staples, Joseph became a fixture in London’s fashion scene under Ettedgui’s direction.
A Legacy of Design Excellence
Arena brings extensive expertise to Joseph, having held leadership roles at Nanushka and Christopher Kane, and collaborating with global luxury groups like LVMH through his own consultancy. He also founded his own label, Enlist, before joining JW Anderson.
At Joseph, Arena succeeds Anna and Frederik Dyhr, who served as co-creative directors from 2020 until the brand’s move back to London. Known for their minimalist and architectural influences, the Dyhrs drew inspiration from artists like Donald Judd and Richard Serra during their tenure.
Joseph’s commitment to contemporary luxury design continues under Arena’s leadership. The brand’s London studio reflects this evolution, emphasizing collaboration and innovation as it redefines its vision for the future.