Mexican authorities are accusing sportswear company Adidas of plagiarizing artisans in southern Mexico. The design at the center of the controversy is the "Oaxaca Slip-On", a sandal created by US designer Willy Chavarria for Adidas Originals.
The sandals feature thin leather straps braided in a style that is unmistakably similar to the traditional Mexican huaraches. Instead of flat leather soles, the Adidas shoes tout a more chunky, sports shoe sole.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico displayed an image of a pair of Adidas Oaxaca Slip-Ons at a news conference on Friday and said that Adidas and other companies were "usurping the creativity" of indigenous communities.
She said that the government of Oaxaca had begun talks with Adidas aimed at reimbursing indigenous communities for the use of their "collective intellectual property" and that Mexico was prepared to take legal action.
According to Mexican authorities, Adidas' design contains elements that are part of the cultural heritage of the Zapotec indigenous communities in Oaxaca. Handicrafts are a crucial economic lifeline in Mexico, providing jobs for around half a million people across the country.
"The 'Oaxaca Slip-On' was inspired by a design from Oaxaca, rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag." Adidas said in an emailed statement. "We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural legacy."
The company requested to sit down with local officials and to discuss how it can "repair the damage" to indigenous populations.
Chavarria issued an apology on Aug 10, written in English and Spanish and addressed to "the people of Oaxaca".
"The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities — a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me," Chavarria said.
"I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community," he added.
目前,该款鞋的宣传物料已从阿迪达斯社交媒体及查瓦里亚个人账号撤下。
Promotional images of the black moulded open-toe footwear have been taken down from the brand's social media accounts as well as Chavarria's.