7 months ago
Prada Launches Chai-Scented Perfume Amid Mixed Reactions
Prada, a famous fashion brand, has launched a new perfume that smells like chai tea.
It's called 'Infusion de Santal Chai Prada' and costs $190.
The perfume has warm, spicy, and woody smells, and comes in a nice brown bottle.
Some people on the internet are happy about it, but others are confused or not sure they want to smell like tea.
Prada had a big argument last year about copying Indian shoes, so some people are still upset about that.
A few people also pointed out that this isn't the first tea-scented beauty product.
Some people think it's funny and others think it's a good way to start the year with a 'chai note'.
Prada launched a chai-scented perfume called 'Infusion de Santal Chai Prada' on January 5, 2026.
The perfume retails for $190 (₹17,000) and is available at Sephora, Ulta, and Prada Beauty website.
The fragrance has warm, spicy, and woody notes, described as milky and aromatic, blending chai latte, sandalwood, citrus, cardamom, and musks.
Reactions from netizens range from amusement to confusion, with some questioning the purpose of the perfume and others finding humor in the irony.
Prada faced backlash in 2025 for their 'version' of Indian Kohlapuri slippers, which some saw as cultural appropriation.
- Who
- Prada, a luxury fashion house
- What
- Launched a chai-scented perfume
- Where
- Available at Sephora, Ulta, and Prada Beauty website
- When
- January 5, 2026
- Why
- To expand their Les Infusions de Prada range and capitalize on Indian-inspired fragrances
Cultural Appreciation
Cultural Appropriation
Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural Appreciation
Prada acknowledges Indian heritage and collaborates with local artisans, showing respect for cultural origins.
Cultural Appropriation
Prada is monetizing Indian staples without sufficient cultural context or credit.
Marketing Strategy
Cultural Appreciation
The perfume is a creative and innovative addition to the luxury fragrance market, appealing to a global audience.
Cultural Appropriation
The launch is seen as a calculated move to capitalize on the popularity of Indian culture and traditions.
Key facts
- Product Name
- Infusion de Santal Chai Prada
- Launch Date
- January 5, 2026
- Price
- $190 (₹17,000)
- Retailers
- Sephora, Ulta, Prada Beauty website
- Previous Controversy
- Kohlapuri slipper design (2025)
- Fragrance Notes
- Chai latte, sandalwood, citrus, cardamom, musks
Timeline
Prada slammed for cultural appropriation in sandal row.
Then, they tease chai tea perfume, a nod to India.
2026 Kolhapuri sandal redo hinted at scent's inspiration.
In response, Prada launches 'Infusion de Santal Chai' at $190.
Chai-scented perfume hits shelves, controversy lingers.
Quotes
Prada
Italian fashion house known for luxury and high-fashion items.
“a luminous fragrance for men and women that binds creamy comfort and sparkling freshness.”
indianexpress.com
“unexpectedly fuses creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte accord.”
indianexpress.com
Social Media User
An anonymous social media user
“Every Indian product like kolhapuri chappal, paithani, food products and chai is also very great and perfectly useful for all world. Made in India”
deccanchronicle.com
“Omg I want to try!! Love the chai”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Prada bottles chai: Luxury brand’s Rs 17,000 chai-inspired perfume sparks debate
After Kolhapuri chappals fad, Prada's ‘chai-inspired’ perfume draws flak: ‘Please stop’
Prada Launches Chai-Inspired Perfume With Cardamom Fusion
Prada launches ‘chai-scented’ perfume: ‘Are they ragebaiting us?’ Netizens and tea-lovers react
Prada bottles chai: Italian fashion house introduces tea-inspired unisex perfume Infusion de Santal Chai
Move on from kolhapuris, Prada launches 'chai latte scented' perfume for ₹17,000. Details here
