Adidas designer sorry for shoes 'appropriated' from Mexico

Willy Chavarria, a well-known US fashion designer, recently collaborated with Adidas Originals to create a shoe called the Oaxaca Slip-On. This shoe was inspired by huaraches, which are traditional leather sandals made by Indigenous artisans in Mexico. However, the shoe quickly became controversial because it was produced in China and neither Chavarria nor Adidas consulted or credited the Mexican communities who originally designed the huaraches. The issue of cultural appropriation was raised, with many people, including Mexico's president, criticizing the shoe for taking ideas from Indigenous people without proper acknowledgment.

Cultural appropriation is when someone adopts customs, practices, or designs from another group, usually a less powerful one, without permission or recognition. Mexico's Undersecretary of Cultural Development, Marina Nunez Bespalova, condemned the shoes during a press conference, saying that big companies often take products and designs from Indigenous communities. President Claudia Sheinbaum also spoke out, saying that the government is looking into legal ways to support the affected communities. Adidas responded by contacting Oaxacan officials to discuss how to make restitution to the people whose designs were used without credit.

In a statement, Adidas said it recognizes and values the cultural richness of Mexico's Indigenous communities and the importance of their artisanal heritage. The company apologized publicly and promised to work with the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag in a respectful way that honors their cultural legacy. Willy Chavarria also issued an apology, saying he was deeply sorry for not working directly with the Oaxacan community and that his intention was always to honor their culture. He admitted that his approach fell short of the respect and collaboration that the community deserves. Promotional images of the shoe have been removed from social media, and Oaxacan shoemaker Juan Aquino was shown working on traditional sandals in his workshop. Adidas sent a letter to Mexican authorities, saying they value the cultural wealth of Mexico's Indigenous people and want to discuss how to repair the damage caused by the shoe's release.