‘It’s not about just doing it, it’s about doing it right.’ This is the message behind the new trainer line by Top Manta – the social responsibility brand by The Union of Street Vendors of Barcelona. Riffing on the famous Nike slogan, it’s a nod to the knock-off designer goods these vendors - mainly migrants from Senegal - sell as well as to the principles of collective upliftment that Top Manta stands for. Its own slogan Ande Dem, meaning ‘walking together’ in Wolof, says it all.

The union was established in 2015 to fight the institutional racism, police brutality and legal barriers facing vendors and so far, it has assisted over 120 vendors to leave the blanket (street trading) and gain their papers. With their screen printing and sewing workshop, they offer training, make clothes and employ 25 people. And over the past two years, they’ve been developing this new range of non-gendered footwear.

Responsibly and sustainably made in Alicante and Porto, the trainers have a chunky rubber sole reminiscent work boots and vegan uppers featuring a print inspired by Senegalese textiles. The design also incorporates Spanish aesthetics in order to instil values of diversity and justice for all. All proceeds go toward supporting vendors and their families.

To promote Top Manta and those who created them, Barcelona-based photographer Olga de la Iglesia has shot this portrait series featuring members of the collective. As both the brand and these beautiful images show, now is the time to walk tall, together.

Trainers are priced €115 and are available from the Top Manta e-store and physical store on the Raval, Barcelona

Photography Olga de la Iglesia
Styling Juan Camilo Rodriguez
Assistance Delfina Ruiz Guiñazu
Words Helen Jennings

Visit Top Manta

Published on 14/06/2021