Following accusations of cultural appropriation by Mexican authorities for copying an Indigenous shoe design, Mexican-American fashion designer Willy Chavarria issued an apology for an Adidas sandal he designed.
The Oaxaca Slip On, a black sandal with braided leather straps fastened to a thick sports shoe sole, is an Adidas design.
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The elaborate leather braiding, according to Mexican artisans and authorities, remarkably resemble the traditional huaraches, or shoes, worn by the Zapotec Indigenous people of Oaxaca, which are mostly made in the municipality of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
They claim that Chavarria and the brand have copied the design without the Indigenous community’s consent and engaged in cultural appropriation. Authorities announced their intention to strengthen regulations to preserve Mexican designs after quickly pointing out that large corporations had long imitated Mexican cultural motifs.
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In remarks to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Chavarria addressed growing criticism. “The design was intended to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities, a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me,” he stated in a statement to the people of Oaxaca.
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Chavarria remarked, “I sincerely apologize that the shoe was stolen in this design and not created in close and meaningful collaboration with the Oaxacan community.” The respect and cooperative attitude that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, and its people deserve are not met by this.
Mexican-American designer Chavarria has gained recognition for his designs that explore Chicano, or Mexican-American, culture and frequently incorporate Mexican elements with American goods. His designs feature the Mexican flag and cowboy hats, which are symbols of northern Mexican culture, as well as sweaters that read Chicano in a red script font.
Chavarria also gained notoriety in recent months for a Paris Fashion Week display that was meant to be a critique of the deportation policies of the Trump administration.
Days after Adidas issued a public apology for the design, Chavarria made remarks in which the company reaffirmed its commitment to working with Yalalag in a respectful discussion that respects their traditional heritage. In a letter to state representatives in Oaxacan this week, the business asked to meet with local representatives and talk about how it might make amends for the harm done to Indigenous communities.
In a statement, Adidas acknowledged and valued the significance of Mexico’s Indigenous communities’ artisanal tradition as well as their cultural diversity.
