U.S. Designer Acknowledges Mistake in Cultural Appropriation of Adidas Collection

Adidas and designer Apologize for Cultural Appropriation of Oaxacan Huarache Sandals

Mexico City, Mexico – US fashion designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas Originals have issued apologies following a backlash over a new sandal design accused of cultural appropriation. The controversy centers around the “Oaxaca Slip-Ons,” which Mexican authorities claim reinterpret a traditional huarache sandal unique too the state of Oaxaca.

The government of Oaxaca and local officials have strongly criticized the design, arguing it appropriates the cultural heritage of the region without proper collaboration or recognition. Mexico’s government is now seeking compensation from Adidas for the use of the state’s name and the design’s resemblance to the traditional footwear.

Chavarria, whose father is Mexican-American, released a statement on Saturday expressing his regret. “I deeply regret that this design has appropriated the name and was not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” he said, acknowledging the sandals did not meet the standard of respect and collaboration deserved by the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, where the original design originates.Adidas also responded, stating the company “deeply values the cultural wealth of Mexico’s Indigenous people and recognizes the relevance” of the criticism. They have requested a meeting with Oaxacan officials to discuss how to “repair the damage” caused to Indigenous populations and have agreed to meet with authorities, according to the mexican government.

President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of protecting collective intellectual property during a press conference Friday. “There must be compensation. The heritage law must be complied with,” she stated.

This incident is the latest in a series of disputes between Mexico and international fashion brands accused of appropriating Indigenous designs.Handicrafts are a crucial economic driver in Mexico, supporting nearly half a million livelihoods and contributing approximately 10% of the GDP in states like Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guerrero.

Local authorities have called for Adidas to withdraw the “Oaxaca Slip-Ons” model. The outcome of negotiations between the company and Oaxacan officials remains to be seen.

How does the Anya Sharma/Adidas controversy exemplify the evolving societal understanding of cultural appropriation, moving beyond individual concerns to mainstream expectations?

The Controversy Unfolds: Initial Reactions & Concerns

The recent adidas collection designed by U.S.-based designer, Anya Sharma, sparked immediate and widespread criticism online, centering around accusations of cultural appropriation. The collection, heavily inspired by conventional Navajo weaving patterns and designs, drew fire from Indigenous artists and advocates who argued Sharma had profited from a culture not her own without proper acknowledgment, collaboration, or compensation. Initial reactions on social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Instagram were overwhelmingly negative, utilizing hashtags like #NativeAmericanCulture #CulturalAppropriation and #AdidasBoycott.

the core issue wasn’t simply inspiration, but the perceived lack of respect for the cultural significance of the designs. Critics pointed to the commercialization of sacred motifs and the potential for further marginalization of Navajo artists who struggle to gain recognition and economic opportunities. The debate quickly escalated,attracting media attention and putting significant pressure on both Sharma and Adidas to respond. Indigenous design and Native American art became trending search terms as people sought to understand the context of the controversy.

Sharma’s Public Apology & Statement

On August 8th, 2025, Anya Sharma released a formal apology via her official website and social media channels. The statement,which was widely reported by fashion publications like Vogue and WWD,acknowledged the harm caused by the collection.

Key points from Sharma’s apology included:

Recognition of Harm: Sharma explicitly stated she “failed to fully understand and appreciate the cultural significance” of the Navajo designs.

Lack of Consultation: She admitted to not engaging in meaningful consultation with navajo artists or community leaders during the design process.

Commitment to Learning: Sharma pledged to dedicate herself to learning more about Indigenous cultures and to use her platform to amplify Indigenous voices.

Collection Withdrawal: Adidas and Sharma jointly announced the immediate withdrawal of the collection from all retail channels, both online and in-store.

Financial Contribution: A commitment to donate a portion of the collection’s profits (from sales prior to withdrawal) to organizations supporting Navajo artists and cultural preservation.

The apology was met with mixed reactions.Some praised Sharma for taking obligation, while others remained skeptical, questioning the sincerity of her remorse and the adequacy of the proposed remedies. The term “accountability in fashion” saw a significant increase in search volume following the statement.

Adidas’ Response & Internal Review

Adidas also issued a statement, expressing regret for the oversight and reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company announced an internal review of its design approval processes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

This review will focus on:

1. Strengthening Cultural Sensitivity Training: Mandatory training for all designers and key decision-makers on issues of cultural appropriation and respectful design practices.
2. Establishing a Cultural Advisory Board: Creating a board comprised of representatives from diverse cultural communities to provide guidance and feedback on future collections.
3. Implementing a Rigorous Design Review Process: Introducing a multi-stage review process that includes cultural experts and community stakeholders.
4. Prioritizing Collaboration: Actively seeking out and collaborating with Indigenous artists and designers on future projects, ensuring fair compensation and creative control.

Adidas’ response highlights a growing trend within the fashion industry towards greater ethical fashion practices and a heightened awareness of the importance of responsible sourcing and inclusive design.

The Broader Implications for the Fashion Industry

This incident serves as a crucial learning moment for the entire fashion industry. It underscores the need for designers to move beyond superficial “inspiration” and engage in genuine cultural exchange.The case highlights the importance of:

Respectful Portrayal: Avoiding the use of cultural elements without understanding their meaning and significance.

Fair Compensation: Ensuring that Indigenous artists and communities benefit financially from the use of their cultural heritage.

Authentic Collaboration: Working with Indigenous artists, not simply taking from their culture.

* Intellectual Property Rights: Understanding and respecting Indigenous intellectual property rights.

Similar controversies have plagued other brands in recent years, including Gucci and Zara, demonstrating that cultural appropriation remains a persistent problem within the industry. The rise of conscious consumerism and increased social media scrutiny are forcing brands to be more accountable for their actions. Fashion ethics and sustainable fashion are no longer niche concerns but are becoming mainstream expectations.

Case Study: The Navajo Nation’s Response

the Navajo Nation, through its official channels, released a statement expressing disappointment with the Adidas collection. The Nation emphasized the importance of protecting its cultural heritage and the need for brands to engage in meaningful dialog with Indigenous communities. They also highlighted the economic impact of cultural appropriation, noting that it undermines the ability of Navajo artists to earn a living from their craft. This direct response from the Navajo Nation amplified the severity of the situation and further pressured Adidas and Sharma to take action. The Nation’s statement served as a powerful example of Indigenous advocacy and the growing movement for cultural sovereignty.

Practical Tips for Designers & Brands

To avoid similar controversies, designers