Joseph Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear: Mario Arena Draws on Christian Liaigre and Mud Silk
For the spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection at Joseph, creative director Mario Arena found inspiration in a book by interior designer Christian Liaigre, which detailed the transformation of an old chocolate warehouse in Australia during the early 2000s. Liaigre's design sensibilities resonated with Joseph's aesthetic, as he had previously crafted the home of brand founder Joseph Ettedgui in the 1980s. The collection showcased neutral staples accented with earthy greens and pinks, alongside the signature python print. Notably, a clutch was inspired by a love letter from Queen Victoria to Prince Albert. Flowing dresses recalled Halston's style, while the jewelry hinted at Elsa Peretti's influence. Arena also emphasized mud silk shirts, lighter fabrics, and reimagined suede and leather to a paper-thin finish, marking a continuation of his brand revival since 2024.
Key facts
- Mario Arena joined Joseph as creative director in 2024 with a mandate to turn around the brand.
- Arena found a book by interior designer Christian Liaigre about converting an old chocolate warehouse in Australia in the early 2000s.
- Liaigre designed Joseph Ettedgui's house in the 1980s.
- The spring 2027 collection featured neutral basics with pops of earthy green and pink.
- The brand's signature python print appeared throughout, including on a clutch inspired by a love letter from Queen Victoria to Prince Albert.
- Mud silk shirts were buried in mud for weeks, sun-faded, and sealed with yam juice—an ancient technique Arena found in China.
- Flowing dresses with tight pleats evoked Halston; bean-shaped gold and lapis jewelry suggested Elsa Peretti.
- Suede and leather pieces were made paper-thin with polished undersides to remove bulky linings.
Entities
Artists
- Mario Arena
- Christian Liaigre
- Joseph Ettedgui
- Queen Victoria
- Prince Albert
- Halston
- Elsa Peretti
Institutions
- Joseph
Locations
- Australia
- China