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Mexican-American Designer Apologises for Adidas Sandal Design Accused of Cultural Appropriation
OAXACA, MEXICO, AUG 9 – Adidas and designer Willy Chavarria apologized for using Indigenous huarache designs without consultation; officials seek financial restitution and stronger protections for artisans.
- US designer Willy Chavarria apologized on August 10 for cultural appropriation in the Adidas Oaxaca Slip-On shoe design made without Indigenous community partnership.
- The controversy arose after Adidas copied design elements from Oaxaca’s Zapotec artisans without consultation or credit, prompting Mexican officials to seek restitution and legal reform.
- Adidas acknowledged the importance of Mexico's Indigenous cultural heritage, removed related promotional images, and initiated efforts to engage in dialogue aimed at addressing the concerns of the affected communities.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that large corporations frequently appropriate creations and designs originating from Indigenous groups, and noted that legal solutions are being explored to protect their rights.
- The incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting Indigenous cultural heritage and may lead to stronger legal protections for Mexican handicrafts.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Mexican-American designer apologises for Adidas sandal design accused of cultural appropriation
Willy Chavarria was accused of copying the design of traditional footwear known as huaraches made by the Zapotec Indigenous people in Oaxaca for the Oaxaca Slip On, a black sandal with braided leather straps attached to a chunky sports shoe sole.
Mexican American designer apologizes for Adidas sandal design accused of cultural appropriation
Mexican artisans and authorities say the intricate leather braids look strikingly similar to the traditional footwear known as huaraches made by the Zapotec Indigenous people in Oaxaca, produced mostly in the town of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
Adidas and Designer Willy Chavarria Apologize Following Shoe Cultural Appropriation Backlash
The brand's Oaxaca Slip-On was criticized by Mexican officials for copying design elements present in Mexican Huarache sandalsGary Hershorn/Getty Adidas logoNEED TO KNOWAdidas and designer Willy Chavarria have been accused of cultural appropriation for their latest collaborative shoe designThe Oaxaca Slip-On, according to Mexican officials, included design elements with cultural significance to the Zapotec Indigenous community in Oaxaca, MexicoT…
After allegations of cultural appropriation from Mexico against the sporting goods manufacturer Adidas, the responsible designer expressed his regret.
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