Designer regrets ‘appropriated’ Adidas Mexican footwear
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The Mexican authorities had complained that Adidas' Oaxaca Slip-On sandals were a “reinterpreted” model of the local huarache sandals (above).
PHOTO: EPA
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MEXICO CITY - American fashion designer Willy Chavarria said on Aug 9 he regrets that the sandals he created together with Adidas had “appropriated” a traditional design from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca.
The local authorities had complained that the Oaxaca Slip-On sandals were a “reinterpreted” model of the huarache sandals, particularly one found uniquely in the area, which has one of the highest indigenous populations in the country.
Mexico’s government said on Aug 8 it was seeking compensation from German sportswear giant Adidas.
“I deeply regret that this design has appropriated the name and was not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” Chavarria, who is of Mexican heritage, said in a statement sent to AFP.
He acknowledged that the sandals “did not live up to the respect and collaborative approach” deserved by the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, from where the original design is said to have come.
The Mexican government said Adidas had agreed to meet with the Oaxaca authorities.
“It’s collective intellectual property. There must be compensation. The heritage law must be complied with,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her regular morning press conference on Aug 8.
The controversy is the latest instance of Mexican officials denouncing major brands or designers using unauthorised indigenous art or designs from the region, with previous complaints raised about fast fashion juggernaut Shein, Spain’s Zara and high-end label Carolina Herrera. AFP
