Adidas and designer Willy Chavarria apologize to Mexico's indigenous ones

Adidas and designer Willy Chavarria apologize to Mexico's indigenous ones

The sports clothing company Adidas and the Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría have apologized after a Mexican state cultural appropriation . The "Oaxaca Slip-on", which is advertised as a collaboration between Chavarría and Adidas Originals, had a woven leather surface, an open heel and a thick rubber sole.

allegation of cultural appropriation

Official representatives of the Mexican state of Oaxaca accused Adidas last week that the handmade sandal model "Huarache" from the Oaxacan community of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag. Both Adidas and Chavarría have now admitted that the design was inspired by this region and pronounced a formal apology.

public apology and recognition

adidas said: "We offer a public apology and confirm our commitment to enter into a respectful dialogue with Yalálag who honors her cultural heritage." Chavarría also commented and regretted that the shoe was acquired in this design instead of being developed in direct and sensible partnership with the Oaxacan community.

reactions and political measures

The design caused excitement throughout Mexico, so much that President Claudia Sheinbaum also spoke up. She said on Friday: "Large companies often take products, ideas and designs from indigenous communities in our country." In addition, she announced that her government would work on a new law to ensure that "the creativity of an indigenous people is not usurpated."

Legal framework and discussions with the indigenous community

The country had already passed laws that punish the unauthorized use of indigenous cultural forms of expression with high fines and prison terms. These laws were introduced after companies such as Zara, Anthropology and Patowl with Similar reactions were faced because their designs or motives were were considered to be similar to traditional works.