In a bright studio in Barcelona, a group of former migrants has transformed their lives through fashion. Models showcase a unique collection made from garments carefully crafted by individuals who once evaded the law to sell counterfeit items on the streets of the vibrant Spanish city.
At Top Manta, a cooperative founded by ex-street vendors, around a dozen workers are engaged in creating a ten-piece upcycled capsule collection, which is the result of collaboration with local designer Tania Marcial. One of the tailors, Djibi Gabigag, 28, shared his journey from being an undocumented migrant who relied on sidewalk sales to finding purpose through this cooperative. “Before, I didn’t have a degree or studies. I was always selling,” he reflected on his past.
Spain’s recent surge in migration has contributed significantly to its economy and population. According to government data, irregular migrants accounted for approximately 6% of the population last year, with many arriving from West Africa, often risking their lives on perilous journeys across the Canary Islands.
Lamine Sarr and Aziz Faye, both from Senegal, embarked on their own migration journey in 2006 and initially made their living as street hawkers. The duo established Top Manta following a tragic incident in 2015, when a fellow vendor lost his life during a police raid. Since its inception, Top Manta has successfully assisted over 200 individuals in transitioning away from street vending to obtaining formal residency in Spain.
Despite the positive impact of initiatives like Top Manta, around 700,000 migrants in Spain remain in precarious legal situations, according to the charity Caritas. This often forces them into informal employment without the necessary legal work status. However, Top Manta’s employment contracts provide these migrants with a vital entry point into formal life.
The cooperative’s garments carry powerful messages, including “Migration is not a crime” and “Legal clothing, illegal people,” reflecting the struggles and resilience of migrants. Gabigag expressed pride in wearing the creations from Top Manta, stating, “When I wear Top Manta I feel good, normal, cool, happy. It’s a brand like any other.”
Through fashion, Top Manta not only equips its workers with skills and a sense of identity but also fosters social awareness around the issues of migration and legality, paving the way for a brighter future for many.
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