Adidas apologized formally after President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the sportswear brand for a sandal that replied the traditional indigenous people of an Oaxacan community attribute the design or give credit to artisans.
The false step occurs shortly after Prada caused a generalized reaction in India when in his fashion parade in Milan presented a sandal that replied the Kolhapuri shoes, which highlights the growing scrutiny facing multinational marks on the origin of their designs.
“The ‘Oaxaca Slip-on’ was inspired by an Oaxaca design, rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag,” Adidas said in a statement.
We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honors its cultural legacy.
Lee: Adidas offers to repair Oaxaca community damage for cultural appropriation in footwear
Sheinbaum said Friday that his administration is looking for legal ways to support indigenous communities whose designs are taken by large companies, after Oaxaca officials criticized Adidas shoes.
The Oaxaca model, released five days ago by the Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría with Adidas, presents a black shoe sole topped with the typical leather fabric of the Huarache sandals in Mexico.
Chavarría said on Saturday that he was “deeply regretted that the footwear has been appropriate with this design and not developed in direct and significant association with the Oaxaca community.”
With Reuters information
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