Business reporter
US fashion designer Willy Chavaria has apologized after a shoe created in collaboration with Adidas Original, criticizing “Cultural Appropriation”.
The Oxaca slip-on was inspired by traditional leather sandals, known as Hurach made by indigenous artisans in Mexico.
The Mexican President was among those who spoke against shoes, who were allegedly built in China without consulting or credits for communities that originated.
Chavaria said in a statement sent to the BBC, “I am deeply sorry that the shoes were approved in this design and did not develop in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oxacon community.” The BBC has approached Adidas for comment.
Cultural appropriation is “usually defined by more prominent people or members of society as an individual or society’s customs, practices, thoughts, as an unknown or unfair adoption”.
Mexico President Claudia Shinbam told a press conference: “Big companies often take products, ideas and design from indigenous communities.”
He said: “We are looking at the legal part to be able to support him.”
Mexico Deputy Culture Minister Marina Nunez said, “Adidas had approached Oxacon officials who were restoring those who were tone”, said Mexico Deputy Culture Minister Marina Nunez.
Black molded open-to-footwear campaigner images have been taken down from Chavaria, along with the brand’s social media accounts.
In his statement, Chavaria said that he wanted to speak heartily about Oxaca slip-on that I made with Adidas “.
“The intention was always to respect the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oxaca and its creative communities – a place whose beauty and resistance has inspired me. The name Oxaka is not just a word – its living culture, its people and its history.”
He said that he did not work with the Oxakan community on the design.
He said, “This is reduced from the honor and collaborative point of view that is worthy of the Zapotech community of Oxaca, Villa Hidalgo Yalalg and its people,” he said.
“I know that love is not just given – it is earned through action.”
Chavaria was the senior vice president of the design of Calvin Klein by 2024 and the founder and chief creative officer of his name label.
Adidas has not responded to the BBC request for comments.
associated Press Told that Adidas responded to Mexican officials in a letter on Friday.
The company allegedly stated that it depths the cultural wealth of the indigenous people of Mexico and recognizes the relevance of criticisms “, and requests a seating for indigenous communities to talk about” repairing damage “.