Adidas hit with cultural appropriation claim by Mexican officials
Adidas Faces Cultural Appropriation Accusation in Oaxaca
Southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca has accused global footwear brand Adidas of cultural appropriation following the release of sandals that closely mimic a regional traditional design.
Origin and Controversy
- The Oaxaca Slip-On sandals were designed by American fashion house Willy Chavarria, who claims Mexican heritage.
- Oaxaca’s Indigenous population ranks among the nation’s highest, making the region a sensitive cultural hotspot.
- Governor Salomón Jara publicly highlighted the issue during a press briefing on Tuesday, calling the footwear a “reinterpreted huarache model” that “uniquely exists in the state.”
- Oaxacan legislator Isáías Carranza, of Zapotec ancestry, posted a Facebook message stating: “Adidas, along with designer Willy Chavarria, appropriated a unique design of traditional huaraches from the people of Hidalgo Yalalag village.”
Legal Threats and Demand for Redress
Governor Jara threatened legal action against Chavarria, saying: “This huarache is from Yalalag… we will ask our Yalalag siblings to work with us so we can file a complaint against the designer.”
The Ministry of Cultures and Arts of Oaxaca released a statement asserting that commercial use of Indigenous cultural elements without consent constitutes “a violation of our collective rights.” The ministry demanded:
- Adidas halt the sale of the sandals.
- Public acknowledgment of the sandals’ Indigenous origin.
- Initiation of a “dialogue and redress of grievances” process with the Yalalag community.
Broader Context and Previous Accusations
Oaxaca’s complaint joins a growing list of Mexican officials confronting major brands for unauthorized use of Indigenous designs. Earlier incidents included:
- Fast‑fashion company Shein.
- Spanish global retailer Zara.
- High‑fashion house Carolina Herrera.
Adidas has yet to respond to a request for comment.
