VAVA is proud to present the Summer 2022 collection SPEED | SLEEP which homes in on a theme that touches a nerve in modern society: we save time in order to gain time.

The avant-garde of acceleration has always existed alongside an avant-garde of deceleration, which sets out to explore the dynamics of silence (soundless) and the essence of existence.

The starting point of this collection was an exploration of the counterpoint states of SPEED and SLEEP, aiming to turn the spotlight on one of the most pressing concerns of our age. This journal creates space and time for reflection – which after all, is what our society most lacks.

The promise of SPEED in the velocified age was: we save time in order to gain time, we are fast in order to be slow.

Modern transport allowed us to create SUPERSONIC CITIES based on the belief that "faster is always better". A great paradox of modern times is that the faster we go, the less time we have.

We have invested in speed without ever having returns in SLEEP. Speed makes us walk faster, drive faster, adds stress, and leads to poor sleep.

Many of the processes of acceleration do not affect a substantial portion of the world's population. In other words, for these OUTSIDERS life pretty much goes on as it did in the past.

What does SLEEP mean for Pedro da Silva, VAVA’s Founder and Creative Director?

For me, SLEEP means deceleration and if I was always in this mode, I would have refused to write this text, I would not have designed this collection, I would not have accepted a spontaneous invitation to attend to an exhibition, or, when things are “tight”, I would not have time to solve all the creative and challenging hurdles I face as a startup founder. If I was permanently in a state of SLEEP, I could not make it to any of the five international shows we create annually, I would have stopped inviting collaborations with artists I admire and I would not have planned to open a new office in Porto. Maybe I would have even quit going swimming twice a week and so on. Do I want that?

On the other hand, I also think deceleration is indispensable. All of us need peace and quiet to enable an idea or new concept to take shape. Therefore, deceleration is also part of the translation of the term “luxury”. Luxury, this precious commodity, can also be the permission to take a break: to observe, to enquire, to admire. Deceleration is also taking the time to build a luxury product that lasts a lifetime, ensuring that everything meets the threshold of being of the utmost quality. 

But hardly any thought can become tangible without SPEED.  Deceleration and acceleration are therefore equally indispensable components of my work.

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