US fashion designer Willy Chavarria recently faced backlash over his collaboration with Adidas Originals. He designed the Oaxaca Slip-On, inspired by traditional huaraches, which are handmade leather sandals from Mexico. Critics, including Mexico’s president, slammed the shoe for being an example of cultural appropriation.
Chavarria expressed regret in a statement, saying, “I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design.” He acknowledged that he should have partnered meaningfully with the Oaxacan community during the creation process.
Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of a more dominant culture, often without understanding or respecting the source. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that big companies often take from Indigenous peoples, and her administration is exploring legal measures to support these communities.
Promotional images of the slip-on have been removed from social media, and Chavarria stated that he intended to honor Oaxaca’s rich culture. However, he realized that failing to include the community in the design process fell short of what they deserved.
Recent trends in fashion reveal a growing scrutiny of brand practices. Many consumers now demand that companies respect cultural origins, pushing for transparency and collaboration. According to a 2022 report, 76% of consumers consider it important for brands to honor traditional cultures during product development.
Chavarria, who previously held a design position at Calvin Klein, must now navigate this challenging situation and find ways to earn respect through actions. Meanwhile, Adidas responded to the concerns by expressing a desire to engage in discussions with Mexican authorities about reparative actions for Indigenous communities.
For more insights, you can read about the ramifications of cultural appropriation in fashion here.
