Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, August 21. The German-born company Adidas acknowledged this Thursday that it used the traditional Yalalag huarache as inspiration for the Oaxaca Slip On model , created by Chicano designer Willy Chavarría. The company's Legal and Compliance Director, Karen González, offered a public apology before the Zapotec community assembly and reported that the product has not yet been sold.
González read the public letter before the community assembly in which he acknowledged, "The Oaxaca Slip On model was conceived taking inspiration from a design originating in the state of Oaxaca, typical of the traditions of the people of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag. We understand that this situation may have caused discomfort, for which we offer a public apology."
He stated that in the future, they will seek to avoid acting "without their guidance and collaboration," adding that from now on, they will seek collaborative work with the Yalalag community "establishing a dialogue based on respect, listening, and recognition of their cultural heritage."
