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Prada's Chai Perfume Sparks Buzz, Follows Kolhapuri Collaboration

Italian fashion house Prada has launched a new unisex perfume inspired by Indian chai, featuring notes of creamy sandalwood, cardamom, and a chai latte accord. The launch ignited enthusiastic reactions on social media, with users celebrating the fusion of global luxury and Indian cultural elements. This move follows Prada's recent foray into Indian craftsmanship, which involved a collaboration to modernize traditional Kolhapuri chappals after initial controversy. The brand has signed an MoU with Indian development corporations to blend traditional techniques with contemporary design under the 'Prada Made in India' project.

Key Points: Prada Launches Chai-Inspired Perfume, Expands India Ties

  • Unisex chai latte-inspired fragrance
  • Blends sandalwood, citrus & cardamom
  • Sparked lively social media discussion
  • Follows 2025 Kolhapuri chappal project
  • MoU signed for traditional-modern footwear collaboration
2 min read

Prada launches "chai-inspired" perfume with cardamom fusion

Prada unveils a chai latte-inspired unisex perfume, blending sandalwood & cardamom, following its recent Kolhapuri chappal collaboration project in India.

"Every Indian product like kolhapuri chappal, paithani, food products and chai is also very great and perfectly useful for all world. - Social Media User"

Milan, January 9

Italian fashion giant Prada has once again sparked a fun conversation across India with the launch of Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum - its "chai" aka tea-inspired perfume.

In a move that appears to have blended high fashion with one of the most cherished rituals among Indians, Prada unveiled the unisex perfume as a part of its Les Infusions collection.

According to the brand website, Prada de Santal Chai perfume comes with a fusion of creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte accord. It also blends a fresh touch of citrus and cardamom, offering a woody and spicy fragrance.

Prada's design for the perfume also reflects its theme, coming off in a brown-hued glass bottle topped with a camel Saffiano cap, which once again echoes the warm hues of a cup of tea.

The "chai" perfume's unconventional concept quickly sparked a lively discussion on social media. One wrote, "Omg I want to try!! Love the chai," while another added, "Indian chai, interesting."

A third comment read, "Every Indian product like kolhapuri chappal, paithani, food products and chai is also very great and perfectly useful for all world. Made in India."

Notably, the perfume launch revived memories of Prada's Kolhapuri chappal stint in India. Earlier in 2025, a PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court against the Italian fashion house for allegedly copying Kolhapuri designs in their latest unveiled summer collection.

In the months that followed, a Prada team visited India to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic Kolhapuri chappals. In December, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prada, Maharashtra's LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation), and Karnataka's LIDKAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation).

Under the project 'Prada Made in India - Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals', Kolhapuri footwear will be developed by combining centuries-old traditional manufacturing techniques with Prada's modern and contemporary design sensibilities. This collaboration will bring Prada's modern touch to the traditional Kolhapuri craft.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
First Kolhapuri chappals, now chai. While the collaboration on the footwear seems respectful and beneficial for local artisans, this perfume feels more like cultural appropriation for profit. Are they sharing royalties with Indian tea growers or spice farmers? The bottle is pretty, but the intent matters.
R
Rohit P
Haha, my Nani's kitchen in the morning already has the best "chai perfume" in the world! Cardamom, ginger, and boiling tea leaves. On a serious note, if this helps put Indian spices and scents on the global luxury map, it's a good thing. The Kolhapuri project sounds promising for our craftspeople.
S
Sarah B
Living in Mumbai, the scent of chai is everywhere – from street stalls to office cafeterias. The idea of bottling that warm, comforting feeling is actually quite clever. I appreciate that they're calling it "chai" and not just "spiced tea." Shows some awareness. The brown bottle is aesthetically perfect.
V
Vikram M
The price will be the real chai-patti (tea leaves) in the cup. These luxury brands take a simple, beautiful Indian concept, repackage it, and sell it back to us at 100x the cost. I'd rather buy authentic sandalwood attar and support local perfumers in Kannauj.
A
Ananya R
It's a fun concept! Global fusion is the trend. As long as it's done with respect, like their follow-up on the Kolhapuri project seems to be, it can be a positive cultural exchange. My foreign friends always associate India

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