Adidas copies Mexican huarache sandal design in Oaxaca Slip-On - Photo: Especial
According to France 24, Mexican officials accused sports company Adidas of taking ideas from indigenous communities in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca to create a new shoe model.
The Mexican government is now demanding compensation from Adidas, claiming that the "Oaxaca Slip-On" loafer is almost identical in design to traditional indigenous sandals called huarache.
Adidas accused of appropriating Mexican culture
The shoe was created by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria. However, Oaxaca state officials claim that the indigenous community in the village of Villa de Hidalgo Yalalag – where the original design originated – did not give permission for its use.
In a letter to Adidas, Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara Cruz condemned the company's new shoe model, asserting that "creative inspiration" cannot be a legitimate reason to use cultural values that are part of the community's identity.
Mexican officials sued and called on Adidas to withdraw this shoe model from the market - Photo: Sneaker Bar Detroit
"Culture is not for sale, it must be respected. This intellectual property belongs to the collective. There must be compensation. Heritage laws must be followed," Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized, while criticizing large corporations that "often take products, ideas and designs from indigenous communities."
Shortly after, Adidas - American fashion designer Willy Chavarria responded: "I am extremely sorry that this happened." He admitted that this sandal model "does not show the respect and spirit of cooperation" that the Villa Hidalgo Yalalag community deserves.
Adidas said it "takes the cultural values of Mexico's indigenous communities very seriously and takes note of the criticism" from the public, and offered to meet with Oaxaca officials to discuss ways to "repair the damage" to indigenous people.
Officials say this is a manifestation of cultural appropriation, a violation of Mexican law - Photo: El Momento Quintana Roo
The controversy is the latest in a series of attacks by Mexican authorities on major fashion brands accused of illegally using indigenous art or designs, following cases involving Shein, Zara (Spain) and luxury brands Carolina Herrera and Louis Vuitton.
Mexico's Deputy Culture Minister Marina Núñez confirmed that Adidas had contacted Oaxaca officials to discuss "compensation for those whose designs were copied".
Previously, designer Chavarria shared with Sneaker News that he wanted to honor his cultural heritage through the collaboration project with Adidas: "I am very proud to work with a company that truly respects and elevates cultural values in the most meaningful way."
The handicraft industry is a vital source of income for Mexico, employing around half a million people across the country. In the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacán and Guerrero alone, the industry contributes around 10% of local GDP.
For Viridiana Jarquin Garcia, a huarache sandal maker in the capital city of Oaxaca, Adidas' shoes are just "cheap copies" of products that Mexican artisans spend a lot of time and effort creating.
"The art is dying. We are losing our tradition," she said, standing in front of a stall selling her handmade leather shoes.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/adidas-cam-ket-boi-thuong-khi-bi-to-dao-nhai-thiet-ke-dep-truyen-thong-mexico-20250811225550412.htm
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