Adidas designer Willy Chavarria is in hot water after his recent collaboration with Adidas Originals sparked accusations of cultural appropriation. The controversial shoe, called the Oaxaca Slip-On, drew inspiration from traditional Mexican huaraches, handcrafted by Indigenous artisans. Criticism erupted after it was revealed that the shoe was produced in China without any consultative process or credit given to the original creators.

Chavarria issued an apology, expressing his regret for not partnering with the Oaxacan community: "I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design," he stated, emphasizing the need for respectful collaboration. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also weighed in, highlighting the exploitation of Indigenous cultures by large corporations and hinting at potential legal actions to protect their rights.

In a further response, Adidas reached out to Mexican authorities to discuss how they could "repair the damage" done to Indigenous communities regarding the use of their designs. The promotional images for the contentious footwear have since been removed from both Adidas and Chavarria's social media accounts.

Chavarria reflected on the rich cultural significance of Oaxaca: "The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca... This falls short of the respect that the people deserve." As the situation develops, both Adidas and Chavarria are expected to take steps towards mending their relationship with the affected communities.