After Kolhapuri chappals fad, Prada's ‘chai-inspired’ perfume draws flak: ‘Please stop’

Italian luxury fashion house Prada is back in the spotlight for launching a new product inspired by Indian heritage. Months after Kolhapuri chappals were featured on the runway during the Summer/Spring 2026 collection, the iconic fashion brand launched Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum — its “chai”-inspired perfume.

In a post on Instagram, Prada's official account stated, “Creamy, spiced, intense yet subtle. Infusion de Santal Chai: a new chapter in Les Infusions collection.”

Prada unveiled the unisex perfume with Indian roots as part of its Les Infusions collection. The official description on the company's website reads, “Infusion de Santal Chai unexpectedly fuses creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte accord, creating a warm and cozy scent, lifted by a fresh touch of citrus and cardamom, plus the clean and comforting facets of musks.”

The key notes that this exotic fragrance features are “Chai Latte Accord, Sandalwood, Citrus, Musks.”​ According to the brand, Prada de Santal Chai perfume is a woody and milky unisex fragrance with creamy notes of sandalwood, a spicy chai accord, fresh citrus, and comforting musks.

What's the price? How to buy chai-inspired perfume?

Blending high fashion with the aroma of one of the favourite beverages of Indians, “Woody spicy notes” fragrance is available at a price of $190 (approximately ₹17,100) for 3.4oz / 100ml.

Packed in Prada's iconic bottle with a camel cap in Saffiano texture, this perfume bottle can be bought by Indian customers without paying any extra delivery charges. Moreover, fragrancistas will be offered a complimentary 7.5 ml Infusion fragrance of their choice without additional charges for orders above $125 and will get two complimentary samples of their choice with any purchase.

Social media reacts

Social media was quick to react to this "chai" perfume's unconventional concept. A user wrote, “Early 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! (sic)”

Another user remarked, “Literally why.” A third comment read, “Prada are you okay?” A fourth user said, “Please stop.” A fifth user said, "No way? (sic)"

A sixth user wrote, “Every Indian product like kolhapuri chappal, paithani, food products and chai is also very great and perfectly useful for all world. Made in India (sic).”