Adidas designer apologizes for ‘appropriating’ Mexican shoe design
Furore over Adidas shoe that resembles Indigenous design
- Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas have faced accusations of cultural appropriation from Mexican authorities.
- The controversy centres on their 'Oaxaca Slip On' sandal, which bears a resemblance to traditional Indigenous huaraches crafted by the Zapotec people in Oaxaca.
- Mexican artisans and authorities claim the design was replicated without the consent of the Indigenous community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
- Chavarria issued a public apology, expressing deep regret for not developing the shoe in direct partnership with the Oaxacan community.
- Adidas also apologized for the design and is seeking to meet with Oaxacan officials to address the damage.