What in the World - Is it OK for fashion brands to take inspiration from other cultures?

Download Is it OK for fashion brands to take inspiration from other cultures?

Mexico's president is among those who have criticised Adidas for perceived cultural appropriation. The brand's Oaxaca Slip-On was inspired by traditional leather sandals known as huaraches made by Indigenous artisans in Mexico. But with its slip-ons, Adidas and its designer Willy Chavarria didn’t work with the original designers and there are some reports that the sandals were made in China.

We unpack the controversy with Jennifer Meierhans, a BBC business reporter. Plus: Javier Uhthoff, an intellectual property lawyer, explains the rights that designers and artisans in Mexico have when it comes to their creations.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Maria Clara Montoya and William Lee Adams
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Published on Friday, 15th August 2025.

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