United States fashion designer Willy Chavarria has issued an apology after a shoe he created in collaboration with Adidas Originals faced criticism for cultural appropriation.
The Oaxaca Slip-On, inspired by traditional leather sandals called huaraches made by Indigenous artisans in Mexico, sparked backlash when it emerged that the footwear was reportedly manufactured in China without consultation or credit to the originating communities.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum was among the voices condemning the design, stating, “Big companies often take products, ideas and designs from Indigenous communities.”
She added, “We are looking at the legal part to be able to support them.” Adidas has reportedly reached out to Oaxacan officials to discuss “restitution to the people who were plagiarised”, according to Mexico’s deputy culture minister Marina Nunez.
In a statement provided to the BBC, Chavarria said, “I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.”
He noted that his intention was “to honour the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities - a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me. The name Oaxaca is not just a word - its living culture, its people, and its history”.
However, he admitted he fell short of the respect and collaboration deserved, adding, “I know love is not just given - it is earned through action.”
Promotional images of the black moulded open-toe footwear have since been removed from Adidas’s social media channels and Chavarria’s accounts.
Chavarria, who was Calvin Klein’s senior vice president of design until 2024, is the founder and chief creative officer of his namesake label.
Adidas responded to the controversy in an emailed statement to the BBC, saying it “recognises and values the cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage.”
The company offered a public apology and pledged to “collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honours their cultural legacy”.
The Associated Press reported that Adidas sent a letter to Mexican authorities on Friday, acknowledging the criticisms and expressing a desire to meet and discuss ways to “repair the damage” to Indigenous communities.
