Willy Chavarría and Adidas apologise amid cultural appropriation backlash over “Oaxaca Slip-On”

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American fashion designer Willy Chavarría recently found himself embroiled in controversy after debuting the ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’, a sneaker-style reinterpretation of traditional Mexican huaraches, in collaboration with Adidas Originals. Initially meant as a tribute to Indigenous craftsmanship, the design sparked significant backlash over claims of cultural appropriation—particularly because it was created and manufactured without involvement from the communities it drew inspiration from.

On August 3, the “Oaxaca Slip-On” premiered at the Art Museum in Puerto Rico. Critics condemned the name usage, the absence of collaboration with Oaxacan artisans, and the fact that the sneakers were produced not in Mexico, but overseas in China.

In response, Chavarría issued a heartfelt apology:

“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community… This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca… deserves”.

Adidas also expressed regret, stating it values Mexico’s Indigenous cultural heritage and pledged to open a dialogue with the community in question.

Local authorities in Oaxaca responded strongly. The governor and cultural officials demanded the shoe’s withdrawal and a public apology, with the Mexican president calling for “compensation for the people who were plagiarised”. Talks are underway to pursue legal measures against misappropriation.

This incident underscores a vital lesson for the fashion industry: Homage to cultural art forms demands more than aesthetic borrowing—it requires real partnership, respect, and accountability.