U.S. Designer Expresses Remorse Over Alleged Theft of Adidas Shoe Design in Mexico
In a recent development, the German athletic corporation, Adidas, has found itself embroiled in a controversy over its Oaxaca Slip-Ons design, prompting an apology from both Adidas and the US fashion designer, Willy Chavarria. The controversy, labelled as an instance of cultural appropriation, has sparked a series of discussions regarding the significance of Mexico's handicraft industry and the respect due to Indigenous communities.
The Oaxaca Slip-Ons, named after the southern Mexican state, have been criticized for reinterpreting a model uniquely found in the area, known as the huarache sandals. The controversy is not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of accusations against fashion powerhouses. Mexico's government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has announced that it is seeking compensation from Adidas, with Sheinbaum stating that the Oaxaca controversy involves "collective intellectual property."
Willy Chavarria, whose father is Mexican-American, addressed the controversy on Saturday. He expressed deep regret that the shoe design, created in collaboration with Adidas, appropriated the name and was not developed in "direct and meaningful partnership" with the Oaxacan community, specifically the artisans from Villa Hidalgo Yalalag. Chavarria acknowledged that the process did not show the respect and collaboration deserved by those communities.
Adidas, too, has recognized the cultural significance of Mexico's Indigenous people and the validity of the criticisms. The company has expressed a desire to engage with local officials and explore ways to "repair the damage" caused by the release of the Oaxaca Slip-Ons. Local authorities in Oaxaca have demanded the withdrawal of the shoe model and are preparing legal action seeking compensation from Adidas for cultural appropriation.
Handicrafts are a significant economic source in Mexico, with nearly half a million people making a living from handmade products. Some of Mexico's GDP comes from the handicraft industry, particularly in states like Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guerrero. The controversy over the Oaxaca Slip-Ons design highlights the importance of respecting and collaborating with these communities in the creation of products that draw inspiration from their unique craftsmanship.
As the dialogue continues, both Chavarria and Adidas have demonstrated a willingness to address the issue through discussion, while Mexican authorities pursue formal compensation and legal efforts due to the perceived cultural appropriation and lack of benefit to the Indigenous craftspeople involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and collaboration when drawing inspiration from diverse communities.
[1] Willy Chavarria Apologizes for Oaxaca Slip-Ons Controversy, FashionNetwork.com, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.fashionnetwork.com/news/willy-chavarria-apologizes-for-oaxaca-slip-ons-controversy-1878143
[2] Adidas Faces Backlash Over Oaxaca Slip-Ons, The Guardian, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/mar/05/adidas-faces-backlash-over-oaxaca-slip-ons
[3] Adidas, Willy Chavarria Apologize for Oaxaca Slip-Ons, ABC News, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/adidas-willy-chavarria-apologize-oaxaca-slip-ons-79479306
- The controversy surrounding Adidas' Oaxaca Slip-Ons, a shoe design inspired by a traditional Mexican handicraft, has sparked a conversation in politics, with Mexico's government seeking compensation from Adidas for cultural appropriation.
- In America, the fashion and beauty industry is not immune to cultural insensitivities, as demonstrated by the Oaxaca Slip-Ons, a shoe model that has prompted Apologies from both Adidas and designer Willy Chavarria.
- General news outlets worldwide have reported on the controversy surrounding the Oaxaca Slip-Ons, shedding light on the importance of collaboration and respect for diverse cultures in the creation of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty products.
