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Mexican-American Designer Apologizes for Adidas Sandal Design Accused of Cultural Appropriation
MEXICO, AUG 11 – Adidas and designer Willy Chavarria apologized and removed promotional materials after criticism for using Indigenous Mexican designs without community consent, prompting reparations talks.
- Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas launched the Oaxaca Slip-On sandal inspired by traditional Indigenous huarache designs five days ago.
- The launch sparked criticism from Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, because it replicated Indigenous designs without consultation or credit.
- Adidas removed promotional materials, publicly apologized, acknowledged the cultural importance of Indigenous communities, and committed to respectful collaboration with the Village of Yalálag.
- Chavarria expressed sincere regret that the shoe incorporated elements without collaborating closely and respectfully with the Oaxacan community during its creation.
- This event reflects increased enforcement of Mexico's 2022 federal law protecting Indigenous cultural property and may lead to stronger legal support for affected communities.
85 Articles
85 Articles
Associated Press News
Mexican-American designer apologizes for Adidas sandal design accused of cultural appropriation
Mexican-American clothing designer Willy Chavarria has apologized for an Adidas sandal that he created after being accused by Mexican authorities of “cultural appropriation” for copying an indigenous shoe design.
Sportswear brand Adidas and Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría apologized after the Mexican state of Oaxaca accused them of cultural appropriation over the design of a new shoe.
Adidas formally apologized this Monday after President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the brand of sportswear for a shoe that reproduced traditional indigenous sandals (huaraches) without attributing design or giving credit to artisans. The false step occurs shortly after Prada provoked a widespread reaction in India when in his Milan parade he presented a sandal that reproduced the Kolhapuri babouches, which highlights the growing scrutiny that m…
Adidas, designer apologize to Mexican Indigenous community for ‘appropriated’ shoe
The sportswear firm Adidas and Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría have apologized after a Mexican state accused them of cultural appropriation over the design of a new shoe.
Adidas and Willy Chavarria apologize for Oaxaca sandal design appropriation
Global athletic brand Adidas and fashion designer Willy Chavarria have issued public apologies after intense criticism from Mexican officials and Indigenous artisans over the Oaxaca Slip-On, a shoe inspired by huaraches (sandals) but produced without involvement from the originating community. The controversy erupted last week after the shoe’s release, with state authorities in Oaxaca and federal officials in Mexico City condemning Adidas for wh…
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