Willy Chavarria Apologizes after Appropriation Backlash
“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design.”
Willy Chavarria apologized on Saturday to the people of Oaxaca after a shoe he created in collaboration with adidas Originals was called out for cultural appropriation. The Chavarria Oaxaca Slip On was first unveiled last weekend when adidas Originals hosted a panel at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.
The panel delved into the importance of legacy in innovation and how an understanding of the past can lead to more authentic collaborations. Chavarria, known to advocate for social justice, included a reference to his American-Mexican heritage in this latest release. Speakers included Archival Specialist Sandra Trapp, Originals Design Director Rafael Mayorga and Director of Storytelling Valentina Benitez Castellanos. It also celebrated the continued partnership with Bad Bunny and presented the adidas Originals para Bad Bunny archive, which has been garnering huge online attention.
During the panel, Chavarria had stated that the shoe was inspired by the huarache, a classic Mexican sandal worn across generations and now a staple of Chicano street style. This modern reimagining includes an exaggerated grip sole and premium leather-woven upper in a slip-on, open-toe design. The campaign, shot by photographer Marco Ovando, saw the shoe styled with white socks and modelled by Mexican artist Juan Berthau, but we can equally see it with a midi-skirt and bare toes.
Following its unveiling, Chavarria faced a wave of backlash online as the shoe was inspired by huaraches, a traditional leather sandal made by indigenous artisans in Mexico, and instead was made in China with no dialogue with these communities. The Mexican President was among those who spoke out.
Chavarria has now said in a statement to the BBC, “I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.” Mexico’s deputy culture minister, Marina Nunez, added that adidas is contacting Oaxacan officials to discuss “restitution to the people who were plagiarized.”
As present, no official release date for the shoe has been shared.
In other footwear news, Schuh and Nike spotlight London grassroots team Baes FC with three reimagined silhouettes.
