Introduction to Cultural Appropriation
The Mexican-American clothing designer Willy Chavarria apologized after being accused of cultural appropriation for an Adidas sandal design. The ‘Oaxaca Slip on’ sandal was criticized for its resemblance to traditional indigenous shoes from Oaxaca, specifically the Huaraches made by the Zapotec community in Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
The Design and Accusations
The black sandal features braided leather straps attached to a chunky sports shoe sole, which Mexican craftsmen and authorities claim is remarkably similar to the traditional Huaraches. They have accused both Adidas and Chavarria of cultural appropriation, stating that the design was replicated without the consent of the indigenous community.
History of Cultural Appropriation
The authorities highlighted a history of large brands copying Mexican cultural designs and expressed their intention to strengthen laws to protect these creations. This incident is not an isolated case, as many indigenous communities have faced similar issues of cultural appropriation in the past.
Apology and Commitment to Respectful Dialogue
Chavarria apologized to the people of Oaxaca, stating that the design was intended to honor the cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities. He acknowledged that the shoe was not developed in direct partnership with the Oaxacan community and expressed his deep sorry for the mistake. Adidas also publicly apologized for the design, affirming their commitment to working with the Yalalag community in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural heritage.
Moving Forward
Adidas recognizes the cultural wealth of the indigenous communities of Mexico and the importance of their manual heritage. The company has asked to meet with local officials to discuss how to repair the damage to the indigenous population groups. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful collaboration and cultural sensitivity in design and fashion.
