The Mexican state of Oaxaca has formally denounced Adidas and designer Willy Chavarria for alleged cultural appropriation, specifically concerning the 'Oaxaca Slip On' huarache model. Governor Salomón Jara Cruz stated that the design infringes upon the cultural heritage of the Zapotec Indigenous People of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, located in Oaxaca's Sierra Norte. The 'Oaxaca Slip On' footwear, recently showcased at the Puerto Rico Museum of Art, merges the distinctive silhouette of traditional Oaxacan huaraches with Adidas' contemporary urban aesthetic, featuring premium leather, classic weaving techniques, and a high, sneaker-style sole. However, the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag was neither consulted nor credited for their ancestral craftsmanship, sparking significant controversy and a strong response from Oaxacan authorities.
Governor Jara Cruz articulated that the adoption of cultural elements from indigenous communities for commercial gain without their free, prior, and informed consent constitutes a violation of their collective rights. His administration has pledged to provide legal support to the Yalálag community to protect their cultural patrimony. The governor also expressed strong disapproval of the use of the name 'Oaxaca' in the product's branding, viewing it as a form of identity theft. The Oaxaca Secretariat of Cultures and Arts (Seculta) has echoed these sentiments, demanding the immediate cessation of the 'Oaxaca Slip On' model's commercialization and calling for a process of dialogue and reparation with the Yalálag community, along with public acknowledgment of the cultural origins of the designs. This incident highlights a recurring issue where international brands are accused of leveraging traditional designs without proper authorization or compensation, a practice that can lead to the erasure of cultural identity and the perpetuation of historical injustices. Mexico has enacted legislation to penalize the unauthorized use of indigenous cultural expressions, reflecting a growing commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage.