Prada stirs debate again with launch of chai-scented perfume priced at $190
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Luxury fashion house Prada has once again found itself at the center of online conversation following the launch of an unexpected new product, a chai-scented perfume. The release comes shortly after the brand faced criticism over its Kolhapuri-inspired sandals, reigniting discussions around cultural influence and luxury reinterpretation.
The fragrance draws inspiration from chai, a beverage deeply rooted in Asian culture and enjoyed by millions across the globe, particularly in India and South Asia. While Prada has positioned the scent as a sophisticated olfactory experience, the concept has surprised many consumers who associate chai with everyday comfort rather than high-end luxury.
Priced at $190 (approximately ₹17,000), the perfume is currently listed on Prada’s official website. The premium pricing has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising the brand’s experimental approach, while others question the accessibility and cultural framing of a fragrance inspired by such a widely consumed drink.
As luxury brands increasingly explore non-traditional inspirations, Prada’s chai-scented perfume highlights the ongoing conversation around cultural inspiration versus appropriation and how global traditions are translated into luxury products for international markets.
