Borrowed Heritage
When a pair of handcrafted leather sandals travels from a rural workshop in Maharashtra to a glass-lit boutique in Milan, its journey is not merely geographic ~ it is economic, cultural, and political.
Prada launches chai-inspired perfume: Leave it to Prada to turn an everyday Indian habit into a luxury talking point. Just when you thought chai was safest in your favourite cup, the Italian fashion giant decided to bottle it. Yes, really. Prada’s latest perfume has Indians sniffing, laughing, debating, and low-key flexing cultural pride all at once.
Welcome to the era of chai… but make it couture.
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New perfume by Prada is literally inspired by chai
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Prada has launched Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum, a unisex fragrance inspired by tea, or as Indians lovingly call it, chai. The perfume is part of the brand’s Les Infusions collection known for turning everyday inspirations into high-fashion fragrances.
According to Prada, this scent mixes creamy sandalwood with spicy chai latte notes, layered with hints of cardamom and citrus.
The result? A fragrance that promises to smell warm, woody, spicy, and comforting, much like a freshly brewed cup of chai on a rainy evening.
Luxury fashion houses often look East for inspiration, but naming a perfume after chai feels especially personal for Indians.
The bottle looks like a cup of warm tea
Prada didn’t stop at the fragrance alone. The design of the perfume bottle also plays into the chai theme. It comes in a brown-hued glass bottle, topped with a camel-coloured Saffiano cap.
The overall look gives strong “hot chai in a classy cup” energy.
Warm, earthy, and cozy, the bottle feels less like a perfume and more like a stylish nod to comfort and ritual.
For many, this attention to detail made the launch feel thoughtful rather than random.
Old Kolhapuri memories resurface
Interestingly this chai perfume launch also has brought back memories of Prada’s earlier controversy related to India.
In early 2025, Prada faced backlash. A PIL was filed in Bombay High Court accusing the brand of copying Kolhapuri chappal designs. Their summer collection was under fire. This issue sparked national debate on cultural appropriation and traditional craftsmanship.
Instead of ignoring the criticism, Prada took different route.
Prada’s “Made in India” Kolhapuri project
Months after the controversy, a Prada team visited India to understand the history and craftsmanship of Kolhapuri chappals. By December, Prada signed an MoU with Maharashtra’s LIDCOM and Karnataka’s LIDKAR.
Under the project titled “Prada Made in India: Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” the brand plans to blend centuries-old techniques with modern design sensibilities. The goal is to give global exposure to traditional Indian craftsmanship with Prada’s contemporary touch.
Also Read: Why Prada walks free
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