Mexican-American clothing designer Willy Chavarria has apologized after Mexican authorities accused him of “cultural appropriation” over an Adidas sandal.
The ‘Oaxaca Slip On’ design has drawn criticism for its striking resemblance to traditional Indigenous footwear.
The black sandal, launched by Adidas, features braided leather straps attached to a chunky sports shoe sole.
Mexican artisans and authorities contend that the intricate braids are strikingly similar to huaraches, the traditional footwear crafted by the Zapotec Indigenous people in Oaxaca, primarily in the town of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
They have accused both the brand and Chavarria of “cultural appropriation” and of replicating the design without Indigenous community consent.
Authorities highlighted a history of major brands copying Mexican cultural designs and stated their intention to strengthen laws to safeguard the creations.
In a statement addressed to the “people of Oaxaca,” Chavarria said that the design was intended to “to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities – a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me.
“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” he wrote.
“This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, and its people deserve.”
Chavarria has risen to fame for his designs exploring Chicano, or Mexican-American, culture, often mixing Mexican themes with American products.
His designs include sweaters reading “Chicano” in red, scripted font, and styles with the Mexican flag and cowboy hats reminiscent of northern Mexican culture.
In recent months, Chavarria was put in the spotlight for a show at Paris Fashion Week that was intended as criticism of the Trump administration’s deportation policy.
Chavarria’s comments came days after Adidas made a public apology for the design.
In a statement, the brand said it was reaffirming “our commitment to collaborate with Yalalag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural legacy.”
Last week, in a letter to Oaxacan state officials, the company requested to sit down with local officials and to discuss how it can “repair the damage” to Indigenous populations.
“Adidas recognises and values the cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage,” it said in a statement.
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