Highlights
- Prada launches infusion de santal chai as part of its Les Infusions fragrance line
- The perfume blends chai latte notes with sandalwood, citrus, and musk
- Social media reactions range from curiosity to criticism
- Launch follows earlier backlash over Kolhapuri chappal-inspired footwear
Prada introduces chai-inspired fragrance
Italian luxury house Prada has unveiled a new perfume titled Infusion de Santal Chai, drawing directly from the flavors and aromas associated with India’s everyday chai. The fragrance forms part of the brand’s long-running Les Infusions collection, which focuses on soft, layered interpretations of familiar ingredients.
According to reports, the scent combines warm chai latte notes with creamy sandalwood, fresh citrus, and subtle musks. It is being marketed as a unisex fragrance and is packaged in Prada’s signature brown bottle with a camel-toned cap.
Social media reacts with mixed emotions
The launch has triggered lively discussion online. While some fragrance enthusiasts have welcomed the idea of a chai-inspired perfume, others have been less convinced, questioning whether a staple beverage translates well into a luxury scent.
Several users joked that chai is best enjoyed in a cup rather than worn, while others viewed the fragrance as another example of Western luxury brands borrowing heavily from south asian culture.
The launch follows an earlier cultural controversy
The perfume arrives not long after Prada faced criticism for showcasing footwear resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals during a fashion presentation. That episode sparked debate around cultural recognition and appropriation, particularly when traditional designs are recontextualized within high-fashion spaces.
Against that backdrop, infusion de santal chai has been interpreted by some as part of a broader pattern of India-inspired aesthetics appearing in Prada’s recent output.
Curiosity meets caution in luxury fragrance space
Priced at around $190 for a full-sized bottle, the perfume positions a familiar, everyday aroma within a premium market. While smaller sizes reportedly sold quickly, it remains unclear whether the scent will gain long-term traction or remain a talking point driven by novelty.
For now, infusion de santal chai has succeeded in drawing attention—prompting conversation not just about fragrance, but about how global luxury brands interpret and package culturally rooted experiences for international audiences.
