Indian cultural references have long appeared in global luxury, often through motifs, materials, or colour palettes. Over the past few seasons, however, several international maisons have integrated Indian elements at a structural level, influencing product concepts, runway formats, sourcing decisions, and category development. Here is a look at some moments that marked a shift from visual reference to narrative integration.
Prada’s Infusion de Santal Chai (2026)
Prada added Infusion de Santal Chai to its Infusion fragrance line in 2026, placing a chai accord at the centre of the composition. The scent opens with cardamom and citrus, moves into creamy milk and sandalwood, and settles into soft musks. In keeping with the Les Infusions philosophy, it is designed to wear close to the skin.
Rather than using spice as a background note, the fragrance frames chai as the core idea. The launch brings a familiar Indian sensory reference into Prada’s established fragrance vocabulary.
Prada’s Kolhapuri Sandal Acknowledgement and “Made in India” Line (2025–26)
In June 2025, Prada faced criticism after showing sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals during a Milan runway presentation without initial attribution. Following public discussion, the brand acknowledged the Indian origins of the design and later announced plans for a Made in India footwear line.
Set to release globally in early 2026 across select stores and online, the collection marks a shift from design reference to Indian manufacturing and sourcing. In this case, Indian craft entered Prada’s production framework rather than remaining a visual cue.
Louis Vuitton’s Snakes and Ladders Runway for Men’s SS26 (June 2025)
Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring-Summer 2026 show featured a runway inspired by the Indian board game Snakes and Ladders. The life-sized set was created in collaboration with Studio Mumbai, led by architect Bijoy Jain, and formed the main visual structure of the show.
Dior’s Fall 2023 Show at the Gateway of India, Mumbai
Dior staged its Fall 2023 runway show at Mumbai’s Gateway of India, placing the city at the centre of the presentation. The show highlighted Indian textiles and craft traditions and continued Dior’s long-running collaboration with Chanakya and the Chanakya School of Craft.
A large toran-inspired installation framed the runway, integrating Indian embroidery and artisanal techniques into the architectural language of the show.
Bvlgari’s Mangalsutra as a Jewellery Category (2021–2024)
Between 2021 and 2024, Bvlgari increased its focus on the mangalsutra, introducing India-exclusive designs and positioning the piece within its fine and high jewellery offerings. Traditionally worn in India as a symbol of marriage, the mangalsutra was reinterpreted using the maison’s materials and design language.
The collections were released through select Indian boutiques, particularly during festive and wedding seasons, establishing the mangalsutra as a defined category within Bvlgari’s regional portfolio.
You may also like
India’s Masters of Luxury Define What Luxury Means Today
Kulsum Shadab Wahab on Becoming the First Indian Ambassador for Women Empowerment by the Italian Fashion Council
Archive Fever is Real: How Fashion Brands are Looking Back to Move Forward
