Designer Willy Chavarria introduces the Chavarria Oaxaca Slip On, an all-new sneaker-sandal in collaboration with adidas Originals. On a panel at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Chavarria shared the design process, alongside adidas Archival Specialist Sandra Trapp, Originals Design Director Rafael Mayorga, and Director of Storytelling Valentina Benitez Castellanos. 

Courtesy of Marco Ovando / Adidas

Like many of Chavarria’s past designs, the shoe nods to his Mexican-American heritage, specifically taking inspiration from the huarache—a classic, multi-generational Mexican sandal and staple of Chicano street style. While maintaining the braided style upper, essential to the silhouette’s identity, the Oaxaca is elevated—literally—with a platform sneaker sole.

In Puerto Rico, the panel delved into the intersection of heritage and innovation, discussing how historical understanding brings more authentic and meaningful collaborations. In addition, as part of the ongoing celebration of adidas’ collaboration with Bad Bunny, the event brought the adidas para Bad Bunny archive to life.

Courtesy of Marco Ovando / Adidas