Leah Kateb's Persian Princess Fragrance Honors Roots

Leah Kateb, runner-up from Love Island USA's sixth season, has established a significant presence in the cultural spotlight, now co-directing the clean fragrance brand Skylar. Her latest endeavor is the Pomegranate Princess scent, set to launch at Sephora on March 21, 2026.

This fruity gourmand fragrance is a heartfelt tribute to Kateb's Iranian heritage. The pomegranate, known as 'anar' in Farsi, is a powerful symbol in Persian culture, representing regal beauty, abundance, and femininity. Kateb stated the fruit is deeply intertwined with her life and Persian traditions.

The launch strategically coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a period symbolizing regrowth, fertility, and rebirth, themes embodied by the new fragrance. Kateb explained that Nowruz represents renewal and honoring one's roots, mirroring the essence of this product release.

Kateb, a first-generation American, openly shared her past struggles with fitting in due to her accent and cultural background. She described feeling embarrassed by her lunch and not fitting into her predominantly white neighborhood.

Now, at 26, seeing her Persian identity represented on Sephora shelves alongside major fragrance houses is profoundly meaningful. The pomegranate has been a recurring motif in her life, with pomegranate trees present in every home she has lived in.

Amidst the ongoing unrest in Iran, Kateb feels this fragrance launch is particularly important. She has used her platform to advocate for the Iranian people, emphasizing that Iran is its people, not its government. A portion of the Pomegranate Princess proceeds will be directed to aid animals, families, and children in Iran.

Kateb aspires for Pomegranate Princess to introduce a wider audience to Persian culture's beauty and provide a moment of recognition and pride for the Iranian community. She has already received feedback from fans in Los Angeles expressing how she makes them feel proud of their Persian identity.

Interestingly, Kateb was nicknamed the 'People's Princess' during her time on Love Island for her authenticity. This moniker made the name 'Pomegranate Princess' a fitting choice for her new fragrance. She also humorously compared herself to Snow White, noting how animals are drawn to her.