Willy Chavarría faced significant backlash in August 2025 after the launch of a sandal collaboration with Adidas called the “Oaxaca Slip-On,” which was criticized for closely mirroring the traditional huarache footwear crafted by Zapotec Indigenous artisans in Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, Oaxaca. Mexican officials accused the brand and Chavarría of cultural appropriation, alleging the design was produced in China, lacked acknowledgment or compensation to the Indigenous community, and failed to involve meaningful collaboration with the original makers of the style (Janetsky, 2025; Morton, 2025). In response, both Chavarría and Adidas issued public apologies, noting they regretted not engaging in “direct and meaningful partnership” with the Oaxacan community and committing to respectful dialogue with local officials to explore restitution (Janetsky, 2025; Morton, 2025).
The incident highlights broader tensions in the fashion industry between cultural inspiration and appropriation, especially when major brands commercialize heritage designs without transparent collaboration or benefit to origin communities. Chavarría—whose work often explores his Mexican-American identity and Chicano culture—acknowledged that the project fell short of the respect and reciprocity he intended (Janetsky, 2025). Meanwhile, Mexican authorities reported they were evaluating legal reforms to better protect Indigenous cultural expressions at the national level (Euronews, 2025). The affair underscores how the interplay of design, heritage, globalization, and ethics continues to challenge creatives and brands alike.
References
Janetsky, M. (2025, August 12). Mexican-American designer apologizes for Adidas sandal design accused of cultural appropriation. Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/willy-chavarria-apology-adidas-sandal-mexico-indigenous-1bb1ebe5dcd7eb4179b79#.
Morton, E. (2025, August 11). Willy Chavarría and Adidas apologise for shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation. Euronews. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/08/11/willy-chavarria-and-adidas-apologise-for-shoe-design-criticised-as-cultural-appropriation.
