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4mo ago

Adidas Designer Willy Chavarría Apologizes for ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’ as Talks With Officials Begin

The apology has led Oaxaca authorities to press for the sandal’s removal, urging formal reparations under emerging indigenous intellectual-property rules.

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Die Unterstaatssekretärin für kulturelle Entwicklung des Kulturministeriums, Marina Nuñez Bespalova, spricht während einer Pressekonferenz im Nationalpalast über den Fall des Plagiats des traditionellen mexikanischen Huarache durch Adidas Oaxaca Slip On, die Tennismarke Adidas und Willy Chavarria.
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US-Designer Willy Chavarria hat sich angesichts von Vorwürfen der kulturellen Aneignung aus Mexiko wegen einer Adidas-Sandale entschuldigt. Er bedauere zutiefst, ein Design aus dem südmexikanischen Bundesstaat Oaxaca "angeeignet" zu haben.

Overview

  • Willy Chavarría publicly apologized, admitting he appropriated traditional Zapotec Huarache elements without collaborating with the Villa Hidalgo Yalalag community.
  • Adidas responded by expressing respect for Mexico’s indigenous heritage and offering to meet Oaxaca officials to explore reparations.
  • Oaxaca’s Kultusministerium has demanded the ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’ sandal be withdrawn from sale and formal compensation be made to local artisans.
  • President Claudia Sheinbaum said federal authorities are negotiating with Adidas and drafting amendments to the 2024 cultural rights reform to bolster protections for indigenous designs.
  • Artisanal Huarache production represents about 10% of Oaxaca’s GDP, and officials warn that unlicensed replicas could severely affect community livelihoods.