Adidas accused of cultural credit

Mexico is looking for adidas giant footwear to hurt after a Mexican-American designer working with business, Willy Chavarria, launched a shoe inspired by a traditional indigenous sandal, authorities said on Friday.

Chavarria, who has been welcomed in the US for his work that brings to light Latino themes – including his controversial collection that touches the alleged gang members locked in El Salvador’s infamous Cecot prison – recently threw “Oaxaca Slip” Mexico Huarache.

Critics in Mexico claimed that the shoe uses the name of the southern Mexican state, an important manufacturer of traditional leather sandals, while the design of Chavarria is manufactured in China and indigenous craftsmen did not receive credit or benefit from the multinational company.

“Big companies often get products, ideas and plans from indigenous communities,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said at her morning press conference.

“We look at the legal part so that we can support them.” Deputy Minister of Culture Marina Nunez confirmed that Adidas had contacted Oaxacan officials to discuss “the restoration of the people who had been slaughtered”.

The controversy is the last of Mexico to protect its traditional plans from world fashion companies, having previously filed complaints against Zara-owner Inditex and Louis Vuitton.

Neither Adidas nor Chavarria, born in the US to an Irish-American mother and a Mexican-American father, immediately responded to commentary requests. Chavarria told Sneaker News that he had the intention of celebrating his cultural heritage through his work with Adidas. “I am very proud to work with a company that respects and lifts culture in the most true way,” he said.