Fashion designer Willy Chavarria has apologized to the people of Oaxaca after his new Adidas shoe design sparked online criticism. The slip-on shoe was unveiled at a Puerto Rico art museum, where it was met with backlash over cultural appropriation.
Chavarria explained that he designed the shoe to honor the cultural spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities. However, he admitted that he did not work closely enough with the community and instead partnered with Adidas directly.
The designer has faced criticism for his activism in the past, including a recent incident where El Salvador President Nayib Bukele accused him of mimicking a detention center from his country. Chavarria’s latest collaboration with Adidas was meant to pay homage to his Chicano culture.
Adidas has also apologized for the design, stating that they recognize and value Mexico’s indigenous communities and their artisanal heritage. The company will work with the community in a respectful dialogue to honor their cultural legacy.
The shoe features an intricately woven upper in premium leather, inspired by the traditional Mexican huarache sandal. However, its production is believed to have been outsourced to China rather than Mexico.
Source: https://wwd.com/footwear-news/shoe-industry-news/willy-chavarria-oaxaca-adidas-shoe-1238032851