Willy Chavarria officially apologized to the people of Oaxaca on Saturday after the slip-on shoe he designed with Adidas unleashed a string of online criticism.
In a statement sent to WWD, the Mexican-American designer said: “To the people of Oaxaca — I want to speak from the heart about the Oaxaca slip-on I created with Adidas. The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities — a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me. The name ‘Oaxaca’ is not just a word, it’s living culture, it’s people, and it’s history. I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community. This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, and its people deserve. I know love is not just given — it is earned through action. With respect, Willy Chavarria.”
Last weekend, Chavarria’s Oaxaca Slip On was unveiled at the Art Museum in Puerto Rico, leading to immediate backlash citing cultural appropriation. There was also pushback on the use of the name and the fact that the footwear is believed to have been made in China rather than Mexico.
In unveiling the Adidas Originals x Willy Chavarria shoe, the designer said it was inspired by the huarache, a classic Mexican sandal that has transcended generations and evolved into a staple of Chicano street style. His version elevated the shoe with an intricately woven upper in premium leather, offered in a slip-on sneaker style with an open toe.
The design also incorporates a thick, exaggerated sneaker sole with functional grip. The sole features a stamped Adidas logo on the side, and Chavarria’s name is found on the back of the shoe and within the interior alongside a holographic gold Adidas logo.
The shoes were modeled with long, white socks in the campaign fronted by Mexican artist Berth Oh and photographed by Marco Ovando.
Adidas did not immediately respond to requests for comment over the weekend.
Chavarria’s first collaboration with Adidas was unveiled on his spring 2025 runway show in New York last September. The collaboration paid homage to his Chicano culture.
The designer has built his reputation on his socially conscious designs and use of fashion as a platform to shine a spotlight on the Latin community. In July, he was named an artist ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union, where he will focus on immigrant and LGBTQIA+ rights. However, this is not the first time the designer has gotten into hot water over his activism. Last month following his spring ’26 menswear show in Paris, Chavarria raised the ire of El Salvadore president Nayib Bukele who said his use of kneeling models with shaved heads dressed in all-white outfits was reminiscent of photos of his country’s “Terrorism Confinement Center.”