Willy Chavarría Acknowledges and Regrets the Appropriation of the Name “Oaxaca” on Sandals Created for Adidas

This Saturday, August 9, American designer Willy Chavarría acknowledged and regretted the cultural appropriation caused by the use of the name “Oaxaca” on a sandal model developed in collaboration with Adidas.

In a direct message to AFP, Willy Chavarría expressed his concern about the use of the Oaxacan name in the sandals’ design. “I deeply regret that this design has appropriated the name (…)” and acknowledged that the project did not involve a direct and meaningful relationship with the local community.

The designer also admitted that the launch failed to show respect and collaboration with the Yalalag community, identified as the origin of the design.

Cultural promoter Luz Valdez posted a video message on her Instagram account featuring a craftsman from the brand “Calzado Trova.” He noted that foreign brands are developing huarache-tenis, although this type of footwear has been produced in Mexico for many years.

The craftsman encouraged people to buy Mexican products. In another video, Valdez mentioned that both brands and designers are currently introducing huarache-tenis, although this type of footwear has a long tradition in Mexico.