Prada chai perfume: Italian fashion house Prada has launched a new addition to its Les Infusions de Prada range. Called the ‘Infusion de Santal Chai Prada’, this fragrance is unlike any other. With high accords of warm, spicy, and woody notes, this tea-scented perfume is said to be milky and aromatic. Prada’s fragrant start to 2026 came after they invited huge backlash with their ‘version’ of a kohlapuri slipper. Accused of appropriating Indian culture, the brand was under fire for the ill-attributed and overpriced design.
Launched on January 5, the ‘Infusion de Santal Chai Prada’ retails at $190 across Sephora, Ulta, and on the Prada Beauty website. It comes in a brown-toned glass bottle with camel coloured Saffiano-textured cap. However, would tea-lovers really love to smell like their favourite beverage, or is this where coffee people finally win the debate? While some netizens feel like this sets the perfect cosy vibe to the 2026 winters, others question the reason behind the invention.
From Kohlapuri Chappals to Masala Tea – Is Prada in their India era?
The Prada-branded ‘leather sandal’ design blew up beyond proportion in 2025. Priced at Rs 1.2 lakh per pair, it was one of the most evidently designed coming from the Indian culture. From Scandinavian scarves to turbans, global brands have not shied away from borrowing from foreign cultures, but experts argue for due credit.
Reacting to Prada’s newly launched tea-scented perfume, a user wrote on Instagram, “Guilt simmering nicely,” pointing out the Kohlapuri debate. “But why would I want to smell like chai and have tea cravings all day?” said another. While others questioned the uncanny concoction and wrote, “Never thought I would hear masala chai perfume.”
“Lactonic,” labelled it another user and shared that the ‘powdery’ tones reminded them of milk powder, associating it with the tea-making process. In fact, a user reminded social media that this wasn’t the first ‘chai-inspired’ beauty product. Indian creator Dipa Khosla’s Indewild also launched a lip product by the name ‘Masala Chai DLT’. Some others added humour to the situation and asked if one could wear it for their tea and smoke break.
“I prefer my chai in a cup. Not a decanter,” reacted another perfume connoisseur. At the same time, some tea-lovers expressed their happiness about starting 2026 on a ‘chai note’ – a classic pun for the situation. “Are they Ragebaiting us?” questioned another enthusiast.
