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Paper short abstract:

Through the reconstruction of the labor trajectory of two Senegalese interlocutors engaged in fashion production within the Argentine and German labor markets, our goal is to reflect the sensibilities, representations, and subjectivities associated with the practice of working with wax textiles

Paper long abstract:

This paper provides insights into the occupational journeys of two Senegalese designers based in Berlin and the City of La Plata. The research is part of an ongoing doctoral thesis that delves into the labor trajectories of Senegalese migrants living in these two locations. Specifically focusing on two male fashion designers, we investigate their integration into distinct labor markets and analyze how this integration shapes both their professional and artistic experiences.

Utilizing a comparative biographical perspective, we highlight the case of these two interlocutors working within the fashion production, with a particular focus on designing apparel using wax textiles. Through the reconstruction of their life stories, our objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sensibilities, representations, and subjectivities associated with this specific textile design and production practice.

Simultaneously, we explore the distinctive characteristics of the labor markets in which these migrants participate, specifically within the Argentine and German circuits. The study underscores the significance of local and transnational networks, emphasizing the crucial role of learning and knowledge transmission within the family. These elements are identified as fundamental influencers shaping the involvement of these designers in diverse transnational cultural circuits.