Willy Chavarria apologises over huarache cultural appropriation controversy

Willy Chavarria has apologised after his collaboration with adidas Originals, the Chavarria Oaxaca Slip On shoe inspired by the huarache, sparked questions of cultural appropriation. The designer unveiled this model last week during a panel at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.

The event highlighted the importance of cultural legacy in innovation and how the past can inspire authentic collaborations. Chavarria, committed to social causes, aimed to reflect his Mexican-American identity in this design. Experts such as Sandra Trapp, Rafael Mayorga, and Valentina Benítez Castellanos also took part. Additionally, they celebrated the ongoing partnership with Bad Bunny and presented the adidas Originals archive for him, which has attracted significant online attention.

Chavarria explained that the shoe is inspired by the huarache, a traditional Mexican sandal and a symbol of Chicano style. The modern reinterpretation features a pronounced grip sole and woven leather upper in a slip-on design with exposed toes. The campaign, photographed by Marco Ovando, showcased the shoe with white socks and Mexican artist Juan Berthau modelling it, although it can also be worn with a midi skirt and bare feet.

After the presentation, social media users criticised the design. They pointed out that the huarache is a handcrafted shoe made by indigenous Mexican communities. However, this version was manufactured in China without consulting these communities. Even the President of Mexico expressed his disagreement.

In a statement to the BBC, Chavarria said, “I deeply regret that this design involved cultural appropriation and that it was not developed in direct and meaningful collaboration with the Oaxacan community.” Marina Núñez, Mexico’s Deputy Minister of Culture, noted that adidas is in talks with Oaxacan authorities to consider possible compensation for the misuse.

For now, no official release date has been announced for the adidas Originals shoe.