Italian fashion giant Prada is back in the spotlight, this time with a playful twist on one of India’s most cherished rituals. After its Kolhapuri chappal controversy last year, the brand has launched ‘Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum’, a unisex “chai”-inspired fragrance with cardamom fusion.The perfume is part of Prada’s Les Infusions collection and blends creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte, finished with citrus and cardamom for a woody, aromatic touch. Prada’s website lists the perfume at around $190 (Rs 17,000). The bottle itself echoes the theme, featuring warm brown glass topped with a camel Saffiano cap reminiscent of a cup of tea.On Instagram, Prada launching the product wrote: “A new Infusion, stirred differently. Meet Infusion de Santal Chai.” Social media quickly caught on, with one user writing, “Omg I want to try!! Love the chai”. Another added, “Indian chai, interesting.” A third commented, “Every Indian product like kolhapuri chappal, paithani, food products and chai is also very great and perfectly useful for all world. Made in India.”The perfume launch brought back memories of Prada’s Kolhapuri chappal controversy in India. In 2025, a PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court alleging that Prada had copied Kolhapuri designs in its summer collection.In response, Prada engaged directly with Indian artisans to understand the heritage behind the iconic footwear. By December, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Maharashtra’s LIDCOM and Karnataka’s LIDKAR under the project Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals.The collaboration will combine centuries-old traditional manufacturing techniques with Prada’s contemporary design sensibilities. A limited-edition collection of 2,000 Kolhapuri chappals will be produced, priced at about €800 (Rs 84,000) per pair and will be available in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online.Prada’s senior executive Lorenzo Bertelli told Reuters that the aim is to bring global attention to the craft, ensuring artisans are fairly paid and also offering them training opportunities both in India and at Prada’s Academy in Italy. Prerna Deshbhratar, managing director of LIDCOM, said, “Once a global brand like Prada supports this craft, demand is likely to grow naturally.”
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