The government of southern Mexico's state of Oaxaca has accused the sports agency Adidas of dominating culture after launching a shoe model called "Oaxaca Slip-On" with a design similar to huarache - a unique traditional shoe in the region.
The product was designed by Mexican-American designer will Chavarria but was met with strong opposition from state officials and the local community.
Oaxaca Governor Milton Jara said at a press conference that this is a version of the huarache model that is only available in the state. He emphasized that the design originated from the indigenous community of Yalalag and that using it without permission was an act of cultural encroachment.
Z Z Z Isaias Carranza, a Zapotec lawmaker in Oaxaca, also spoke on social media, accusing Adidas and designer Chavarria of using the unique huarache design of the Yalalags. Mr. Jara said he would work with the community to prepare legal procedures for the lawsuit.
The Ministry of Culture and Arts of Oaxaca issued a statement affirming that using cultural elements for commercial purposes without the consent of the local community is a "violation of collective rights". The ministry requested Adidas to stop selling footwear models, publicly acknowledge the origin and conduct a dialogue to resolve issues with the Yalalag community.
The above case extends the list of disputes between Mexico and international fashion brands related to the illegal use of patterns or designs of the local community. Previously, companies such as Shein (China), Zara ( Spain) and Carolina Herrera were also accused of similar things.
Adidas has not yet made an official comment on the incident.
