Former migrant street vendors in Barcelona are now gaining legal work opportunities through a rising fashion brand called Top Manta. The brand, created by African migrants who once sold goods on the streets, is helping people step away from risky street vending and into real jobs in design, sewing and printing.
In a bright studio in Barcelona, models are seen wearing clothes that were created by migrants who used to run from police while selling items on the sidewalks. The clothes are part of a 10-piece recycled fashion collection designed by local artist Tania Marcial and produced by the Top Manta cooperative.
One of the designers, 28-year-old Djibi Gabigag from Senegal, said he arrived in Spain without documents and survived by selling items on the street. Joining Top Manta changed his life. He said he finally feels useful and confident because he can now create clothes and work legally.
Spain has experienced a major rise in migration in recent years, which has helped increase the population and support the economy. Last year, irregular migrants made up around 6% of the population, with many arriving from West African countries on dangerous boats heading toward the Canary Islands.
Top Manta was founded by Senegalese migrants Lamine Sarr and Aziz Faye, who also arrived in Spain in 2006 and worked as street vendors. They created the brand after a migrant hawker died in a police raid in 2015. Since then, they say they have helped more than 200 people leave illegal street vending and begin the process of applying for legal residency.
However, many migrants still face challenges. Catholic charity Caritas says around 700,000 migrants in Spain are stuck in a legal gap, unable to get proper documents or secure formal jobs. This leaves many people working in unsafe, black-market conditions.
Top Manta offers work contracts that help migrants take their first steps into formal life in Spain. Their clothes often carry strong messages like “Migration is not a crime” and “Legal clothing, illegal people,” showing support for migrant rights.
Inside the studio, Gabigag smiled proudly as he wore one of the outfits he designed. He said that wearing Top Manta makes him feel happy and normal. To him, the brand is a sign of hope — proof that migrants can build a future in Spain just like anybody else.