Prada bottles chai: Luxury brand’s Rs 17,000 chai-inspired perfume sparks debate

The perfume, called Infusion de Santal Chai, joins Prada’s Les Infusions collection

Prada, the Italian fashion house best known for its pared-back luxury and high-fashion staples, has taken an unexpected turn with its latest fragrance, one inspired by chai. Yes, the everyday cup of spiced, milky tea that holds near-sacred status in many Indian households. The perfume, called Infusion de Santal Chai, joins Prada’s Les Infusions collection and is positioned as a unisex scent meant to mirror the comfort and depth of a well-brewed chai.

According to Prada’s official description, the fragrance “unexpectedly fuses creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte accord.” Notes of citrus and cardamom lift the scent, while musk adds what the brand calls “clean and comforting facets”. Prada claims that the fragrance explores “the creamy and milky qualities of sophisticated sandalwood,” with cardamom bringing “an addictive and unexpected vibration” to the composition. The result, the brand says, is “a luminous fragrance for men and women that binds creamy comfort and sparkling freshness.”

The perfume is priced firmly in luxury territory. On Prada’s website, a 100 ml bottle retails for $190, which translates to roughly Rs 17,000.

Unsurprisingly, reactions online have been divided. Some fragrance lovers are intrigued and excited. “Nearly every Infusion I have tried has been exceptional, I am still desperate to get my hands on Iris, but I cannot wait for this one,” one user wrote.

Others echoed the enthusiasm with comments like, “Omg I want to try!! Love the chai,” and “I am so looking forward to try this one.” But not everyone is convinced. Sceptics were quick to question the idea, with one bluntly asking, “literally why?” While another wondered, “Prada are you okay?”

This isn’t the first time Prada has looked to India for inspiration, and not without controversy. In the past, the brand faced backlash after sending models down a Milan runway in sandals that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, sparking accusations of cultural appropriation.