The controversy centers around the similarity between Balmain’s face jewels in their Fall/Winter Men’s collection and Tongoro’s ‘Cairo’ face piece, bringing up issues of cultural appropriation and the need for recognition of nonwestern creativity. The controversy highlights the larger problem of cultural appropriation and the lack of recognition for creativity from Africa and other nonwestern regions in the fashion industry. This conversation prompts the need for a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable global fashion industry.
SAP SE, a European software company, has resolved a corruption scandal in South Africa, demonstrating that it is committed to ethical business practices globally. The company must navigate the regulatory dynamics of the EU’s digital economy and regulatory framework, maintaining high standards both within the EU and on foreign grounds. SAP’s response to the scandal sets a strong precedent for the industry about the seriousness of such violations, and it has taken steps to strengthen its compliance mechanisms and reaffirm its commitment to ethical conduct. Other corporations can learn from SAP’s journey to redefine corporate success in terms of ethical standards, not just profits.