Adidas designer sorry for shoes ‘appropriated’ from Mexico
US fashion designer Willy Chavarria apologized after being criticized for a “cultural allowance” of a shoe he created in collaboration with Adidas Originals.
Oaxaca Slip-on is inspired by the traditional leather sandals known as Huarans made by local craftsmen in Mexico.
The President of Mexico was among those who spoke against shoes that were reported to have been reported in China without consulting or credit.
In a statement sent to the BBC, Chavarria said: “I am very sorry that the shoe is allocated in this design and has not developed in a direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.” BBC contacted Adidas for a comment.
The cultural allowance is defined as “typically more dominant to adopt the traditions, practices and ideas of a human or society by members of a more dominant person or society”.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said to a press conference: “Large companies often receive products, ideas and designs from domestic communities.”
“We look at the legal part to support them.”
Deputy Minister of Culture Marina Nunez, Adidas, “Paying back to plagiating people” for the meeting with Oaxacan officials, he added.
OAXACA, traditional Huaraches exhibited in a market in Mexico [Jesús Méndez/EPA/Shutterstock]
Promotional images of black molded outdoor shoes are taken from the brand’s social media accounts and Chavarria.
Chavarria said in his statement that he wanted to talk from the heart about the Oaxaca shift I created with Adidas. “
“The aim was to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities – its beauty and resistance is a place that inspires me. Oaxaca is not just a word – living culture, people and history.”
He said he didn’t work with the Oaxacan community in the design.
“This is under the respect and cooperative approach of Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag and the people deserves.”
“I know that love is not only given, it is won through action.”
Chavarria is the founder and chief creative officer of Calvin Klein’s senior vice president and anonymous label until 2024.
Adidas did not respond to BBC’s request for comments.
. Associated Press Adidas reported that he responded to Mexican officials in a letter on Friday.
He said that the company demanded a residence to talk about “how to repair the damage to domestic communities” and recognizes the cultural richness of the indigenous people of Mexico, and recognizes the interest of criticism and “to domestic communities” how to repair the damage “.
