Willy Chavarria apologised to the people of Oaxaca on Saturday, after his new slip-on shoe he designed in collab with adidas got slammed on social media.
Last weekend, the Willy Chavarria x adidas Originals Oaxaca slip-on was unveiled at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. It was intended to be a tribute to the huarache sandal – a classic Mexican silhouette that has held huge cultural significance in the Chicano Movement, a sign of resistance and Mexican pride, and a core part of Chicano style.
The drop led to immediate backlash, with people calling it cultural appropriation. There was backlash on the use of the name Oaxaca (the huarache is a big part of the indigenous cultural heritage in Oaxaca, Mexico), and the fact that the shoe was made in China, and didn’t include Oaxaca’s local artisans in the design or manufacturing process.
In an apology statement sent to WWD, Chavarria said: “To the people of Oaxaca – I want to speak from the heart about the Oaxaca slip-on I created with adidas. The intention was always to honour the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities – a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me. The name ‘Oaxaca’ is not just a word, it’s living culture, it’s people and it’s history. I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community. This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, and its people deserve. I know love is not just given – it is earned through action. With respect, Willy Chavarria.”
Adidas also issued its own apology over the weekend: “adidas recognises and values the cultural richness of Mexico’s indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage. The ‘Oaxaca slip-on’ was inspired by a design from Oaxaca, rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag. We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honours their cultural legacy.”
The Mexican-American designer has built his career with his community-conscious and politically charged designs. Last month, he was named an artist ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union, with a focus on immigrant and LGBTQIA+ rights. His SS26 show, was a tribute to the people illegally detained by ICE in the US, while his FW25 highlighted the struggles of the Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities in Trump’s America.
Featured image Willy Chavarria/adidas©
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