ADIDAS Shoe Design ‘Cultural Appropriation’
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that Willy Chavarria, the US fashion designer, has apologised after a shoe, that he created in collaboration with ADIDAS Originals, was criticised for ‘cultural appropriation’.
‘Cultural appropriation’ is defined as "the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, of one people or society by members of a typically more dominant people or society".
The shoe concerned is the Oaxaca Slip-On, which was inspired by traditional leather sandals, which are known as huaraches and made by indigenous artisans in Mexico.
The Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, spoke out against the shoe, which was reportedly made in China without consultation or credit to the communities who originated the design, and stated:
"I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community."
And added:
"Big companies often take products, ideas and designs from Indigenous communities …[and]…[w]e are looking at the legal part to be able to support them."
ADIDAS has contacted Oaxacan officials to discuss "restitution to the people who were plagiarised" and has also offered a public apology.
Furthermore, promotional images of the black moulded open-toe footwear have been removed from the ADIDAS social media accounts, as well as those of Willy Chavarria, who has also stated, as mentioned, that he was "deeply sorry."
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
