Leah Kateb on Her Persian Heritage & New Skylar Pomegranate Princess Fragrance
Leah Kateb, the season six runner-up of Love Island USA, launched her sophomore fragrance, Pomegranate Princess, at Sephora on Thursday, March 21, 2026. The scent, a “fruity gourmand,” is a tribute to Kateb’s Iranian heritage and coincides with Nowruz, the Persian Fresh Year.
Since her appearance on the reality television show ended in July 2024, Kateb has transitioned into a multifaceted career, encompassing fashion, brand partnerships, and now, fragrance development. She has attended luxury fashion shows, including those hosted by Roberto Cavalli and Off-White, and appeared in a Love Island spin-off alongside fellow contestants, all while maintaining a relationship with her villa partner, Miguel Harichi.
Kateb’s involvement with Skylar, a clean fragrance brand, began last summer when she was appointed creative director, and refounder. She described her approach as weaving personal storytelling into each fragrance. Pomegranate Princess is the culmination of that vision, honoring her parents’ immigration from Iran to the United States before her birth. The pomegranate, known as “anar” in Farsi, symbolizes “regal beauty, abundance, and femininity” in Persian culture, according to Kateb.
The timing of the launch is deliberate, aligning with Nowruz, a celebration of renewal, fertility, and rebirth. “Nowruz is a time of renewal and honoring where you come from, which is exactly what this drop represents,” Kateb explained.
Kateb, 26, acknowledged that her appreciation for her Persian background wasn’t always straightforward. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, she faced teasing for her accent and her family’s cultural identifiers, leading to feelings of alienation. “I felt like I didn’t fit in. Even something as small as the lunch I brought to school made me feel embarrassed,” she said.
The launch of Pomegranate Princess carries particular weight given the ongoing unrest in Iran. Kateb has used her platform to advocate for the Iranian people, sharing on Instagram about her family’s experiences and the ongoing protests. A portion of the proceeds from the fragrance will be donated to support animals, families, and children in demand in Iran. “This perfume isn’t just a celebration, but a way to give back,” Kateb stated.
Kateb expressed hope that the fragrance will introduce a wider audience to Persian culture and provide a sense of pride for the Iranian community. She has already received feedback from fans who have shared how the scent makes them feel seen and celebrated. “When girls tell me they’re proud of where they come from because of me—how they appear, how they see themselves, their culture—that means everything,” she said. “It’s something I wish I had growing up.”
Fans on social media previously dubbed Kateb the “People’s Princess” for her authenticity during her time on Love Island, a moniker she found fitting given the fragrance’s name. She also jokingly compared herself to Snow White, noting that animals are consistently drawn to her.
Kateb described Pomegranate Princess as “fruity, lovely, and a blessing.” She emphasized that the launch represents more than just a fragrance; it’s a celebration of her identity and a call for others to embrace their own heritage. “Middle Eastern people, especially women, have long been misrepresented. But our culture is rich, beautiful, and something I carry with immense pride.”