Adidas is under fire after launching its new ‘Oaxaca Slip On’ footwear, accused of culturally appropriating Indigenous Mexican design. The shoe, part of a collection designed by Mexican-American creative Willy Chavarria, closely mirrors the traditional handmade sandals of Indigenous communities in Oaxaca, sparking backlash from cultural advocates and Mexican officials alike.
At the heart of the controversy is the lack of acknowledgement or compensation for the Oaxacan artisans whose centuries-old craft inspired the product. While Adidas markets the shoe as a tribute to Mexican culture, critics argue the move represents commercial exploitation, especially since production appears to benefit overseas manufacturers, primarily in China, rather than Mexican communities.
Willy Chavarría and Adidas apologise amid cultural appropriation backlash over “Oaxaca Slip-On” https://t.co/l4mcBjhKUG pic.twitter.com/xtMSKf7k2M
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The Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has initiated formal discussions with Adidas, seeking restitution and protective measures for Indigenous cultural expressions. This case follows Mexico’s recent disputes with fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Zara (Inditex), and Carolina Herrera over similar unauthorized uses of Indigenous designs.
“It’s collective intellectual property. There must be compensation. The heritage law must be complied with,” Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said and added “Big companies often take products, ideas and designs from Indigenous communities. We are looking at the legal part to be able to support them,” during her regular news conference reported Al Jazeera.
Designer Willy Chavarria has responded by expressing regret for the oversight, stating that his intention was to honor, not exploit, Oaxacan culture. He emphasized his commitment to Latin and Indigenous representation, though many argue that the damage to local communities must be addressed through tangible action.
As the issue unfolds, it highlights broader concerns about intellectual property, ethical design, and the rights of Indigenous communities in global fashion. Cultural experts stress the need for companies to move beyond tokenism and toward real partnerships and fair compensation for traditional creators.
