Besides PRADA’s ‘chai’ perfume, here are 10 iconic Indian fragrances in global brands 

When Prada dropped Infusion de Santal Chai early in January this year, us desis could easily tell the inspiration behind it — an ode to the ultimate comfort drink of the world’s largest democracy. Enhanced by a woody touch of citrus and cardamom, the Italian fashion house hit the spot with a sensorial experience that millions of Indians associate warmth with. As Prada’s ‘Chai’ perfume continues to ride the wave, here are 10 other global brands with Indian fragrances, which clearly had a major moment — and justifiably so. 

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Indian flower markets that come alive at dawn, Jo Malone’s Jasmine Sambac and Marigold cologne intense bears the warmth and depth of vanilla and amber, while the subtle scent of Marigold dominates as the top note. Enriched by jasmine sambac as the heart note and Benzoin resin as the base note, this one seals the deal with its warm and grounding aroma. Love? Love!

1)    Jo Malone Jasmine Sambac & Marigold Cologne Intense

Inspired by the Royal house of Marwar-Jodhpur; Vaara by Penhaligon’s is a unisex Oriental fragrance, where the top notes are quince, rose water, carrot seeds, coriander and saffron; middle notes are rose, freesia, magnolia and peony; and base notes are honey, white musk, cedar, sandalwood, benzoin and tonka bean. Subtle yet exquisite, snag this fragrance as the scent of fruity rose and a blend of woody notes is something that’d catch anyone’s fancy. 

2)    Penhaligon’s Vaara Eau De Parfum

A Guerlain icon that draws inspiration from an ageless love story that dates to the Mughal era, Shalimar is an amber perfume that captures emperor Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal’s eternal love story in a bottle. Passion in every spritz? You may very well say so. 

3)    Guerlain Shalimar Eau De Parfum

Truth is, everyone’s got a fantasy. Indian Leather was born out of a sublime acceptance of the same. This is a dense yet grounded fragrance that transports you off to a faraway land, through a scent that wafts of the ‘wood of the gods’ — oud. 

4)    Memo Paris Indian Leather Eau De Parfum

A unisex woody and spicy fragrance made using Davana, coffee and tonka bean, agarwood (Oud), sandalwood and labdanum, as its top, middle and base notes; Mumbai Noise by Byredo captures the soul of Bombay streets, celebrating the beauty of contrasts. 

5)    Byredo Mumbai Noise

Hailed the OG oriental fragrance for a  (good) reason, Tom Ford Oud Wood is a rich woody (oud) scent that’s born out of a delightful fusion of various woods including intense patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, and oud, which are combined into the underlying tones of amber, tonka bean absolute, and vanilla.

6)    Tom Ford Oud Wood

Warm and woody meets a touch of metallic spark, embellished with soft floral undercurrents and a musky Ambrette base note,  Radio Bombay brings forth a pulsating fragrance that gets you to feel just as alive as the bustling streets of Bandra.

7)    DS & DURGA RADIO BOMBAY

Subtle yet strong enough to leave a lasting impression, the Omnia Indian Garnet is a citrusy gem for women who truly understand the understated charm of delicate scents. Paired with floral and amber notes, this Bvlgari wonder for women gives an Indian-flair character to the fragrance’s composition. 

8)    Bvlgari  Omnia Indian Garnet

Made using natural sandalwood (Santal Mysore), peppered with a hint of vanilla, ethyle maltol, sacrasol (sulfurol) and Peruvian balm, and dominating tones of jasmine absolute and musk accord, this is a distinct fragrance that sticks. 

9) Frédéric Malle Dries Van Noten

A unisex signature, Santal 33 combines the scent of cardamom with notes of iris and violet, amped by some spicy, leathery, musky notes ((Australian sandalwood, cedarwood), giving this perfume its signature allure that’s equal parts addictive and comforting.
  
10) Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum

Images: COURTESY PIXABAY

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