Italian luxury fashion giant Prada has once again turned its creative gaze towards India, this time bottling the beloved essence of 'chai' into a high-end fragrance. The launch of Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum comes months after the brand featured traditional Kolhapuri chappals in its Summer/Spring 2026 runway show, signaling a continued fascination with Indian cultural motifs.
The Scent of Spiced Luxury: What's In The Bottle?
Marketed as a unisex fragrance, the new perfume is part of Prada's esteemed Les Infusions collection. The brand describes it as a woody, milky, and creamy scent that unexpectedly blends the richness of sandalwood with the spicy warmth of a chai latte accord. This cozy base is reportedly lifted by fresh citrus top notes, cardamom, and clean, comforting musks.
The official key notes listed are Chai Latte Accord, Sandalwood, Citrus, and Musks. Prada's Instagram announcement called it "creamy, spiced, intense yet subtle," presenting it as a new chapter for the collection. The perfume is housed in the brand's iconic bottle, finished with a camel-colored cap featuring the signature Saffiano texture.
Price, Availability, and Perks for Indian Customers
Blending high fashion with a quintessentially Indian aroma comes at a premium price. The 100ml (3.4oz) bottle is priced at $190, which is approximately ₹17,100. Indian customers shopping online will not incur extra delivery charges.
Furthermore, the brand is offering enticing complimentary gifts. For orders above $125, buyers will receive a complimentary 7.5 ml infusion fragrance of their choice. Additionally, any purchase comes with two complimentary samples of the customer's selection, adding value to the luxury buy.
Social Media Brews a Storm of Reactions
The unconventional concept of a 'chai perfume' from a European luxury house quickly ignited diverse reactions on social media. While some fragrance enthusiasts expressed excitement, others were left perplexed.
One eager user commented, "Every Infusion I have tried has been exceptional... I cannot wait for this one!" However, a significant portion of the reaction ranged from baffled to critical. Comments like "Literally why," "Prada are you okay?" "Please stop," and "No way?" flooded the post, highlighting the bold and potentially polarizing nature of the product.
Amidst the skepticism, some users saw it as recognition for Indian culture. One netizen noted, "Every Indian product like kolhapuri chappal, paithani, food products and chai is also very great and perfectly useful for all world. Made in India."
This launch underscores the ongoing trend of global luxury brands drawing inspiration from Indian heritage, a move that consistently walks the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation, as reflected in the mixed public reception.
