US EditionAdidas Apologizes for New Sandal Design Said to Appropriate Indigenous Mexican Patterns
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.
21 Articles
21 Articles
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.
The sports brand launched a shoe inspired by the huaraches, Mexican sandals. The authorities of this country denounced that this "invisibilitys the true creators of the cultural heritage"The National Museum of Anthropology of Mexico, Princess of Asturias Award of Concord 2025 The Mexican authorities demanded last Wednesday the immediate suspension of the commercialization of the shoe model “Oaxaca Slip On”, launched by the sports brand Adidas an…
Mexico to sue Adidas over controversial sandals. Mexican-American fashion designer Willy Chavarria is repentant.
He regrets stealing flip-flops from Mexican natives without directly interacting with them.
Mexican authorities have called on Adidas to recall their latest shoe model.
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