The Mexican government requests compensation from Adidas, accused of having marketed a sandal with a traditional artisanal design without recognizing or remunerating the craftsmen of Oaxaca. The case relaunches the debate on cultural appropriation in fashion.
Mexico attacks Adidas after the launch of the “Oaxaca Slip On”, a sneaker created by American-Mexican designer Willy Chavarria. Inspired by the Huarache, a craft sandal typical of the State of Oaxaca, the shoe is produced in China without mention or compensation for local craftsmen. The authorities are now studying legal action.
Cultural appropriation and tensions
“Large companies often take designs to native communities,” said President Claudia Sheinbaum. Adidas contacted the Oaxaca authorities to discuss a restitution, while Chavarria expressed her regrets and admitted that he had not respected the craftsmen.
This affair is part of a series of complaints from Mexico against fashion giants, already addressed to Inditex (Zara) and Louis Vuitton (LVMH). The government intends to protect its traditional creations in the face of a global market often accused of drawing from cultural heritage without consideration.