The government of Oaxaca, Mexico, has formally accused Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría of cultural appropriation for the release of the "Oaxaca Slip-On" sandals, which are inspired by traditional huaraches from the Zapotec communities of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag. Oaxaca's governor, Salomón Jara, announced plans to file a legal complaint against Adidas for identity theft and unauthorized use of indigenous designs. The state's Secretariat of Cultures and Arts demanded the immediate suspension of the sandals' commercialization. The National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI) also condemned the model, citing violations of Mexico's cultural heritage laws. At the federal level, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concern over large companies exploiting indigenous creativity and confirmed ongoing discussions with Adidas to seek reparations. The federal government is considering legal actions to address the alleged infringement and protect indigenous intellectual property rights. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the fine line between cultural inspiration and plagiarism in fashion.
🔴 Por el caso de las sandalias Oaxaca Slip-On de Adidas, inspiradas sin autorización en huaraches de Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, Oaxaca, @Claudiashein informó que se busca un resarcimiento conforme a la ley de patrimonio. 🗣 “Estamos estudiando la vía legal”, dijo https://t.co/sx9utLrUnk
El Gobierno federal está en platicas con Adidas para resarcir el daño por apropiación cultural indebida de unos huaraches oaxaqueños copiados para la producción de sandalias. Más en https://t.co/BjdELZkpfR https://t.co/swunJ0XKTM
#EnLaMañanera | “Grandes empresas toman ideas de comunidades indígenas, usurpando la creatividad de un pueblo originario”: La presidenta Sheinbaum analiza acciones contra Adidas por el diseño Oaxaca Slip On, debido a que violaron la Ley de Patrimonio haciendo apropiación cultural https://t.co/asPhKvWXSv