Italian luxury house Prada has unveiled an unusual addition to its fragrance portfolio, introducing a tea-inspired scent that is already sparking debate among perfume enthusiasts.
The new fragrance, Infusion de Santal Chai, joins the brand’s well-known Les Infusions collection. The launch marks a distinctive shift in inspiration, drawing from the familiar warmth of spiced tea rather than traditional floral or woody perfume profiles. The move also comes after the brand faced criticism in recent years over cultural representation, making this release particularly noteworthy.
Designed as a unisex fragrance, the perfume seeks to recreate the comforting aroma of a freshly brewed cup of ‘chaa’ or tea. It combines rich sandalwood with spiced tea accords, layered with hints of cardamom and subtle citrus notes. According to product descriptions, the scent develops into a soft, musky finish, offering a clean yet lingering impression suitable for daily wear.
Visually, the perfume stays true to the brand’s minimalist yet refined aesthetic. It is presented in a brown-toned glass bottle topped with a camel-coloured cap featuring the label’s signature Saffiano texture. The packaging reflects the understated luxury that Prada is known for, aligning with the broader identity of the Les Infusions line.
Based on its listed international price, the fragrance costs approximately Tk 20,500 for a 100 ml bottle, converted from $190 at current exchange rates.
Despite the novelty of the concept, early reactions to the perfume have been mixed. While some fragrance enthusiasts have welcomed the idea of translating a culturally familiar scent into a luxury product, others remain sceptical about how effectively the essence of tea can be captured in a wearable fragrance. Critics argue that such interpretations can sometimes feel more conceptual than authentic.
Nevertheless, the launch highlights a broader trend within the global fragrance industry, where brands are increasingly experimenting with unconventional and culturally inspired scent profiles. Whether Infusion de Santal Chai becomes a commercial success or remains a curiosity, it has already succeeded in generating conversation, though, as some observers note, it may not be to everyone’s taste.
