Willy Chavarria x adidas Catch Heat Over Oaxaca Slip-On
has never been shy about repping his roots. The California-born designer, who’s of Mexican heritage, has built a career celebrating immigrant stories and Chicano culture with an unapologetic edge. But his latest colab with – – has just landed Chavarria in hot water back in Mexico.
At the centre of the debate is a design tied to the huarache, a handmade style hailing from the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca. Governor Salomón Jara Cruz labeled the collaboration a ‘reinterpreted huarache model’ unique to the region, and accused Team Trefoil and Chavarria of using it without proper credit or consent.
He also warned of possible legal action, citing , which punishes unauthorised use of Indigenous designs with fines or prison.
The state’s Ministry of Cultures and Arts has demanded adidas suspend sales, publicly acknowledge the model’s origins, and begin a process of 'dialogue and redress of grievances' with the Zapotec community. Legislator Isaias Carranza, of Zapotec descent, echoed the criticism and labelled it as appropriation.
adidas and Chavarria have yet to respond. The designer unveiled the colab earlier this week during an expo in Puerto Rico, which also includes work with .
'It makes me very proud to be working with a company that really respects and uplifts culture in the most real way,' Chavarria told Sneaker News in a .
For now, the Oaxaca Slip-On is still slated as part of the wider Chavarria and adidas colab. Stay tuned to Sneaker Freaker for the latest.
In other news, are gearing up for a pop-up event in Melbourne and Sydney.