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German sportswear manufacturer Adidas has issued an apology after being accused of cultural appropriation in the design of its new “Oaxaca Slip-On” shoe.
The shoe, designed by US designer Willy Chavarria, is inspired by the “huarache” sandals traditionally worn by Indigenous villagers from Villa Hidalgo Yalalag in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, who weren’t involved in the production.
“Adidas values the cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous communities and the importance of their craft heritage,” the Bavaria-based company said in a statement on Monday.
“The Oaxaca Slip-On was inspired by a design from Oaxaca rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag,” it continued. “We apologize publicly and reaffirm our commitment to working with Yalalag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural heritage.”
Sheinbaum defends Indigenous ‘intellectual property’
The issue went as far as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who described the shoe design as “inappropriate cultural appropriation,” saying: “Large companies are taking products, ideas and designs from our country’s Indigenous communities. That is intellectual property.”
Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara said on social media that “huaraches from Yalalag are part of the cultural heritage of this community, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and reflects its identity,” adding: “This heritage is one of our greatest treasures, and we must not allow it to be treated as a commodity.”
Cultural appropriation punishable under Mexican law
Mexico passed legislation in 2022 to protect Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples’ intellectual and cultural property, with unauthorized use now punishable with fines and even prison sentences.
In a statement to the BBC, Chavarria, a former senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein, said he was “deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.”
He continued: “The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities – a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me. This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, Villa Hidalgo Yalalag and its people deserve.”
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
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