Global, but with a desi twist

From Gucci’s first sari to the recent tea-inspired perfume by Prada, global brands are not shying away from adding a little India inspiration

Jan 09, 2026, 15:26 IST2 min

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Launched January 5, Prada’s Infusion de Santal Chai is an unexpected ode to India’s beloved masala tea, blending creamy chai latte accord with sandalwood, citrus and musks for a warm, spicy unisex scent. Packaged in Prada’s signature brown glass with a camel-tone Saffiano cap, the fragrance retails at $190 (₹17,000) for 100 ml and sparked a lively debate online about cultural inspiration versus appropriation. Photo courtesy Prada

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Part of Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, the autorickshaw-shaped handbag made global headlines in mid-2025. A whimsical tribute to India’s ubiquitous three-wheeler, the miniature bag features classic monogram canvas, tiny wheels and detailed handlebars. Priced around ₹35 lakh, it generated a split between admiration for its creativity and mockery for its audacious price tag.Photo Courtesy Louis Vuitton

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Following a cultural appropriation backlash in mid-2025 over Sanders resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Prada pivoted to collaborate with Indian artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka to design a “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired sandal line that is slated to launch in February. Each pair is supposed to sell for around ₹84,000 ($930).Photo by REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo

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Launched on January 17, 2024, Bvlgari’s India-exclusive B.zero1 Kada Bracelet reinterprets the traditional Indian kada (bangle) through the house’s signature spiral motif. Crafted in 18 kt yellow gold, this bold and sculptural piece bridges heritage and high jewellery aesthetics, celebrating India’s traditions while remaining contemporary. With a retail price of approximately ₹12,90,000, and a campaign fronted by actor Ayushmann Khurrana, it caters to a luxury audience seeking designs that resonate with cultural identity.Photo courtesy Bvlgari

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In 2025, actor Alia Bhatt sparked fashion conversation by wearing a Gucci ensemble at Cannes that many described as a sari—though the brand termed it a gown. The outfit blended traditional drape inspirations with Gucci’s signature tailoring, elevating the sari silhouette on an international platform and spotlighting South Asian style in global fashion narratives.Photo by Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images

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Designer Robert Wun’s 2025 runway creations included gowns with dramatic silhouettes reminiscent of traditional Indian lehengas—floor-length volumes, rich textures and sculptural flares that evoke South Asian bridal and ceremonial wear. These pieces translated cultural dress elements into avant-garde couture, showing how Indian fashion archetypes inspire boundary-pushing design.Photo by Julien De Rosa/ AFP

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Originally released in 2009, Dior’s Escale à Pondichéry is part of the Les Escales de Dior collection, evoking the coastal region of Pondicherry through fragrance. This aromatic, fresh scent combines notes of black tea extract, jasmine Sambac, cardamom and sandalwood, which are ingredients tied to Indian aromatic traditions. Prices historically ranged from about $57–$76, reflecting its position as an accessible luxury travel-inspired scent.Photo Courtesy Dior