The fashion world is no stranger to appropriation. The most recent to stand out in a sea of cultural insensitivity and poor business practices was Prada’s misstep with the Kolhapuri sandal . In 2025, the luxury brand attempted to showcase a “woven leather sandal” that was a nearly identical, and highly overpriced, version of the traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappal. The key issue: they did not credit the original design or heritage of the sandal, which dates back to the 12th century . Artisans and manufacturers of the sandal though, did not stay quiet. They voiced their dissent to the lack of credit, leading Prada Group to eventually issue a statement . Eventually, they credited the design was based on traditional Indian footwear. This incident, while perhaps minor in the grand scheme of global commerce, offers crucial lessons for businesses on the importance of giving credit for ideas crafted from another, and to build a culture of accountability . The Kolhapuri chappal is more than just footwear. It’s a centuries-old craft rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, India. Its design, materials, and creation methods are integral to the identity of numerous artisan communities. For Prada to take this iconic design, alter it minimally, and present it as a novel creation without any acknowledgment of its origins was an act of cultural appropriation for business gain. For businesses, the lesson is clear: inspiration is one thing, but appropriation is another. When drawing from established cultural artifacts, traditions, or designs, it is imperative to: Failing to give credit damages a brand’s reputation. It also perpetuates a harmful cycle of exploitation, particularly against marginalized communities whose cultural assets are often commodified without their consent or benefit. When the backlash against Prada’s Kolhapuri sandals erupted, the brand’s initial response was a cautious removal of the product from their website and an unspecific statement about addressing concerns. This hesitant approach only fueled public anger. When I was a young MBA student at Emory University, I evaluated a similar business case causing public dissent and developed a simple framework for crisis management. This simple framework, called “The Three Rs for Crisis Communications,” can be applied to this and many similar cases where issues are broader. This involves: A strong business culture embraces humility and accountability. When a mistake is made, particularly one involving cultural insensitivity, a swift and sincere admission of wrongdoing is paramount. When I developed “The Three R’s” in 2009 the world was a different place. The digital age has amplified the speed at which information and outrage travels fast. The Kolhapuri incident spread rapidly across social media, with consumers and cultural advocates voicing their disappointment and anger almost instantaneously. Prada’s relatively slow and inadequate initial response allowed the narrative to be shaped by criticism rather than by the brand itself. For some brands, this can be devastating, with “cancel culture” having a huge economic impact if applied broadly. The speed of response is as crucial as its content. Businesses must be prepared to monitor public sentiment. Actively listen to social media conversations and news to detect emerging issues. The Prada-Kolhapuri sandal debacle is a powerful teacher. It proves that in an increasingly globalized and socially conscious market, ethical conduct, respect, and transparent communication are more than just good practices. They are essential for business survival and success. The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com. The final deadline for the 2025 Inc. Power Partner Awards is Friday, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now .