Mexico: Adidas designer asks indigenous people for forgiveness

US designer Willy Chavarria has expressed his deep regret following allegations of plagiarism from Mexico . He apologized, saying he deeply regretted not having developed his design for the so-called sneaker sandal "in direct and meaningful collaboration with the Oaxacan community." He stated that a traditional design from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca had been "appropriated" for the design.

Chavarria acknowledged that the sandal "does not live up to the respect and collaborative approach" that the community in the village of Hidalgo Yalalag, where the original design is believed to have originated, deserves.

The designer, whose father is of Mexican descent, designed the sneaker sandal called "Chavarria Oaxaca Slip On" together with sportswear manufacturer Adidas . The global corporation Adidas is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, a city in the southern state of Bavaria , Germany .

"Unique design appropriated"

Following the sandal's launch, there was a storm of outrage in Mexico. Representative Isaías Carranza wrote on his social media channel that Adidas and Chavarria had "appropriated the unique design of the traditional huaraches (sandals) of the people of the village of Hidalgo Yalalag."

The governor of the state of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara, threatened to sue Chavarria, claiming the sandals were a "huarache model" that only exists in Oaxaca.

Authorities in Mexico demand a sales stop

The state's Ministry of Culture declared that the use of cultural elements for commercial purposes without the consent of indigenous peoples was "a violation of our collective rights." The ministry called on Adidas to stop selling the sandal and to initiate a process of dialogue and reparation with the Yalalag community.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also intervened in the conflict. She emphasized that this is a matter of collective intellectual property. "There must be compensation," Sheinbaum demanded during her morning press conference on Friday.

Adidas is willing to talk

According to the Mexican government, Adidas agreed to meet with officials from Oaxaca.

In Mexico, politicians have repeatedly accused fashion companies of using indigenous art or designs without consultation. Lawsuits have been filed against online retailer Shein in China , fashion chain Zara in Spain , and the fashion house of Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera.

se/AR (afp, kna, epd, ap, rtr, dpa)