Waddington Custot: Art, Fashion & Today’s Consumer

Located in Dubai’s bustling Arts District, better known to residents as Alserkal Avenue, The MOD Blog explores the pieces at Waddington Custot to bring our readers one step ahead in the quest for inspiration.

What is Wsddington Custot

Firstly, let’s explore the ‘what’ of the matter. What is Waddington Custot? It is a gallery known for its curation of artworks by modern and contemporary masters, created through the partnership between French art dealer Stéphane Custot and long-time London gallerist Leslie Waddington, with three international locations: London (1958), Dubai (2016), and Paris (opening in 2026).

Why is it relevant to us?

At MOD, we strive to bring our clients event experiences that surpass the ordinary. We do this through a painstaking approach to research, reference work, and explorations of the works of the movers and shakers in the fields of architecture, art, fashion, and colour. These three industries combined create a compelling narrative that propels the modern-day bride—be it through the heart-stopping work of an artist at a physical gallery or when scrolling Vogue’s Instagram page and being awed by Anthony Vaccarello’s spring/summer 2026 show hues. Inspiration is everywhere, and galleries like Waddington Custot are its purveyor | Pictured on right Manolo Valdes, Menina.

The pieces that stood out to us?

There was a bronze sculpture surrounded by empty space, exposed to the sun, created by the artist Manolo Valdes (Menina, pictured above)) It seemed to emit an inexplicable energy—one that seems to suspend time with its otherworldly beauty. Its bronze material also makes for an interesting talking point on the beauty and versatility of the metal. In the region, rose gold and shades of bronze hold special significance, often being the go-to when selecting accents across private events, jewellery, or design. But here, there was something earthy, prompting reflection on the natural state of things.
Culturally, preferences for more traditional and warm spaces have shown a significant rise, with platforms like Pinterest noting in their 2025 trend report that “home décor is experiencing a significant shift towards traditional and warm aesthetics, driven by a desire for comfort, nostalgia, and sustainability,” marking a move away from the clinically minimalist vibe of the past few years | Pictured here Umberto Mariani's Senza Titolo, Red.

| Explore Waddington Custot

The artist Fabienne Verdier’s work titled ‘Débordant deschoses indicibles’ work also made us reflect on the enduring power of red—not just as a strong contender for the colour of the 2025/2026 season, with Pantone’s NYFW Fashion Colour Trend Report for Fall/Winter 2025 indicating wine reds and shades of brown are gaining traction. Art, as always, is a lens into the cultural zeitgeist; much like fashion, it is a voice that casts an echo | Pictured here Alymamah Rashed's Lady Dior Interpretation| .

| Explore Johnathan Anderson's Dior

Other works, by artists like Umberto Mariani, Ian Davenport, and Landon Metz displayed also ideas that stimulate the mind. Hubert Le Gall’s work ‘Le Coeur de Dionysos’ (pictured here) has a Pandora’s-box-like effect, truly mystical and captivating, challenging the viewer to rethink what modern art truly is. Similarly, Jonathan Anderson’s Christian Dior debut has highlighted the relevance of art in luxury fashion, with the cherished Lady Dior Bag appearing in ten artist-collaboration renditions. Artists such as Alymamah Rashed, Jessica Canon, and Ju Ting (to name a few) all showcasing the captivating synergy between art and fashion, while highlighting the consumer who is informed and searching for a story they can connect with.

"The focus on art has always been pivotal to design."

- MOD

What we at The MOD Blog have discovered is that very few people outside the UAE truly understand the artistry of an Arabic wedding. From bespoke furniture to wall sculptures, lighting, flowers, drapes, and more, every minute detail must work in perfect harmony to create a living, breathing artwork that hosts gatherings of 500–800 guests.

At MOD, the secret lies in this inner dialogue between art, culture, and fashion—a language that tells a story far removed from the ordinary stylings of everyday wedding designers or creative architects. Here, we believe in telling a story that, much like art, lasts forever in the heart and mind. Explore Waddington Custot at Alserkal, Dubai, U.A.E.

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