Sun, 10 Aug 2025

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 Adidas designer sorry for shoes 'appropriated' from Mexico

He has apologised over the Oaxaca Slip-on, inspired by sandals made by Indigenous artisans, after criticism from Mexico.

* US fashion designer Willy Chavarria has apologized for his shoe design, "Oaxaca Slip-On", which was criticized for cultural appropriation.
* The shoe was inspired by traditional Mexican huaraches made by Indigenous artisans but was reportedly manufactured in China without consultation or credit to the communities who originated the design.
* Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke out against the footwear and said that big companies often take products, ideas, and designs from Indigenous communities without permission.
* Adidas has apologized for the shoe and has contacted Oaxacan officials to discuss restitution to the people who were plagiarized.
* The company stated that it "recognizes and values the cultural richness of Mexico's Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage."
* Promotional images of the shoe have been taken down from Adidas' social media accounts as well as Chavarria's.
* Chavarria expressed his regret for not working with the Oaxacan community on the design, stating that he fell short of the respect and collaborative approach that they deserve.
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