Willy Chavarria and Adidas 2025 Apologize for Oaxaca Slip-On After Cultural Appropriation Criticism

US fashion designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas Originals have both issued public apologies following strong criticism of their Oaxaca Slip-On shoe collaboration, which many say appropriated the cultural heritage of Mexico’s Indigenous artisans without credit or partnership. The black molded open-toe footwear, inspired by the huarache sandals of Oaxaca’s Indigenous Zapotec community, was at the center of heated backlash—leading to global conversations about cultural respect, creative collaboration, and intellectual property.

Inspiration Without Consultation

The Oaxaca Slip-On, part of an Adidas Originals collection, was explicitly styled after iconic handmade huaraches—footwear with roots in Indigenous artistry and daily life in Oaxaca, Mexico. Critics pointed out that the shoe was manufactured in China, and marketing for the piece never included formal credit, compensation, or dialogue with the artisans whose designs inspired it.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly addressed the matter, commenting, “Big companies often take products, ideas, and designs from Indigenous communities. We are looking at the legal part to be able to support them.”

Chavarria and Adidas Respond

In a statement sent to the BBC, Willy Chavarria expressed regret. He said, “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, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, and its people deserve.”

Willy Chavarria continued, “The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities—a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me… I know love is not just given—it is earned through action.”

Adidas has also apologized, with a brand spokesperson stating, “Adidas recognizes and values the cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage. The ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’ was inspired by a design from Oaxaca, rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag. We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural legacy.”

The company has removed promotional images from social media and reached out to Mexican authorities to discuss direct restitution and dialogue with affected communities.

The Bigger Picture: Cultural Appropriation in Fashion

The outcry echoes broader calls for the fashion industry to move beyond inspiration and toward real collaboration when drawing on the work of marginalized and Indigenous creators. Marina Nunez, Mexico’s deputy culture minister, stated that Adidas has contacted Oaxacan officials and is exploring ways to “repair the damage” to the community.

For many, the incident is a reminder that inspiration without acknowledgment or partnership can harm, rather than celebrate, the communities whose culture shapes global style.

Looking Ahead: Toward Respect and Genuine Partnership

As fashion brands and designers continue to engage with global crafts and heritage, the calls for credit, compensation, and true creative partnership grow louder. What comes next for the Oaxaca Slip-On may set a new precedent—one where honoring cultural legacy means collaboration, not just homage. For now, Adidas and Chavarria’s apologies mark the first step in repairing community bonds and rethinking how international fashion does business with the world’s originators.