Business Reporter
Getty ImagesUS fashion designer Willie Chavalia apologized after the shoes she created in collaboration with Adidas Originals were criticized for “cultural appropriation.”
The Oaxaca slip-on was inspired by traditional leather sandals known as huaraches, made by indigenous artisans of Mexico.
The Mexican president was one of those who opposed footwear, and reportedly was made in China without consultation or merit with the community that produced the design.
In a statement sent to the BBC, Chavalia said, “We are deeply sorry that the shoes have been allocated to this design and have not been developed in a direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.” The BBC contacted Adidas for comments.
Cultural appropriation is defined as “unemployed or inappropriate adoption of a habit, practice, idea, social practice, idea, or society by a dominant person or member of a society.”
Mexican President Claudia Sinbaum said at a press conference:
She added:
Mexico's Deputy Culture Minister Marina Nunez added, Adidas contacted officials in Oaxacan to discuss “reparations for those who were plagiarized.”
Hess Mendes/EPA/ShutterstockPromotional images of black molded open piece footwear have been removed from the brand's social media accounts and images of Chavalia.
In his statement, Chavalia said, “I would like to speak with all my heart about the Oaxaca slip-on that I created with Adidas.”
“The intention was to always honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative community – a place where beauty and resistance influenced me. The name Oaxaca is not just a word, its culture, its people, and its history.” ”
He went on to say, “I'm deeply sorry.”
“This does not lead to the respect and joint approach that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yaralagh and their people deserve,” he added.
“I know that love is not just given – it is acquired through action.”
Chavalia was Calvin Klein's Senior Vice President of Design until 2024, and was founder and Chief Creative Officer of the label that bears his name.
In an email statement, Adidas told the BBC that he “recognizes and cherishes the meaning of the cultural richness and artisan heritage of Mexico's indigenous communities.”
“Oaxaca slip-on was inspired by Oaxaca's designs rooted in the Villa Hidalgo Yararag tradition. We offer public apology and reaffirm our commitment to working with Yararag in a respectful dialogue that respects our cultural heritage. ”
The Associated Press reported that Adidas responded to Mexican authorities in a letter Friday.
The company reportedly called for a sit-in to “deeply appreciate the cultural wealth of Indigenous peoples in Mexico, recognize the relevance of criticism and talk to Indigenous communities about how to “repair the damage.”
Additional Reports by Peter Hoskins