Mexican authorities accused Adidas of plagiarism, saying the sportswear manufacturer plagiarised a new design of sandals from traditional Indigenous shoes in Mexico known as huaraches, according to Politico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday, 8 August, that Adidas is already in talks with the authorities of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca about “compensation for the people who were plagiarised.” She also promised that her government would prepare legislative reforms to prevent copying of Mexican crafts.
US designer Willy ChavarrÃa created the Oaxaca Slip-On sandal design for Adidas Originals, featuring elements of traditional Mexican huaraches. However, instead of the traditional flat leather sole, ChavarrÃa used a more massive sports sole.
Handicrafts play a crucial role in the Mexican economy, providing jobs for about half a million people across the oss the nation. The Oaxaca authorities requested that the Oaxaca Slip-On shoes be withdrawn from sale and demanded a public apology.
In response, Adidas stated in a letter that the company “deeply values the cultural wealth of Mexico’s Indigenous people,” requesting a meeting with local officials to discuss ways to “repair the damage.”
