Luxury fashion brand Prada has launched its latest perfume, Infusion de Santal Chai. This perfume is inspired by none other than chai, and as expected, the fragrance has drawn attention online, particularly among tea enthusiasts.
The perfume is part of Prada’s Infusion line, which is recognized as taking inspiration from natural materials and familiar scents and retails for $190 which is approx Rs 17,000. As per brand’s description, "Prada Infusion de Santal Chai is a woody and milky unisex fragrance with creamy notes of sandalwood, a spicy chai accord, fresh citrus, and Comforting musks," making it something of a modern comfort scent. The use of ‘Chai’ in both the name and concept quickly caught attention online, with users debating how global luxury brands interpret culturally rooted elements.
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Food- and beverage-inspired fragrances are not new within the global perfume industry. Scents built around coffee, vanilla, spices, and desserts have long been part of luxury and niche perfumery, often intended to evoke warmth and familiarity rather than literal replication. From this perspective, Infusion de Santal Chai fits within an established category.
The conversation on the fragrance has also been shaped by a recent incident involving designs for Prada’s footwear, which was compared to the traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. This incident triggered a debate on the topic of cultural appropriation and the way global premium brands draw upon Indian style.
Social media reactions to Prada’s Infusion de Santal Chai have ranged from humour to scepticism, with many users responding to the idea of a chai-inspired luxury fragrance. Comments quoted across platforms include remarks such as, “As much as I love chai, I most certainly don’t want to smell like one”, and “Why pay Prada $190 for 'Chai' perfume when you can get the same effect for free by standing over the stove for 2 minutes?” reflecting surprise at the concept. Others reacted more positively, with comments saying, “I am just too excited!! Finally a chai scent that is true to masala chai aromatic warmth,” noting they never expected masala chai to become a perfume note.
The conversation around Prada's chai-scented perfume highlights how cultural references, when adopted by global luxury brands, can trigger layered responses, blending curiosity, critique and humour.