Big news in the beauty world: Kayali, the fragrance brand founded by UAE-based mogul and scent-obsessive Mona Kattan, has officially won Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Prestige at the iconic Fragrance Foundation Awards in New York. Yep, that’s *the* Oscars of perfume, and Kayali just took home the crown.
The winning scent? Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar – a warm, playful, and downright addictive perfume that’s already become a global fave. Think candied pear, jellybean, vanilla cream, white caramel and of course, sweet vanilla cream… it’s basically a dreamy candy shop bottled up. It’s a full-on nostalgia trip in a bottle – and clearly, the fragrance world is obsessed.
Sharing the moment, Mona said:
“This moment is the culmination of passion, persistence, and an incredible community that continues to believe in KAYALI. We believe fragrance is more than a product – it’s a story, a mood, a bookmark to our memories.” Mona Kattan, CEO, Kayali.
Let’s not forget Kayali means “my imagination” in Arabic. Since launching in 2018, the brand has stayed true to that name, blending Mona’s Middle Eastern heritage with modern luxury, storytelling, and craftsmanship. And the result? A line of 27 unique, long-lasting, cruelty-free fragrances that have shaken up the industry.
Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar was crafted by Kayali’s go-to perfumer Gabriela Chelariu of dsm-firmenich and launched with a candy-coated campaign starring Mona herself (alongside beauty creators like Jake-Jamie and Funmi Monet). The scent flew off shelves after launching in May 2024 – and yes, it sold out in multiple countries.
This isn’t just a win for Mona – it’s a big deal for the region, too. A fragrance brand born in Dubai, powered by a global audience, and rooted in identity and imagination? That’s the future of beauty, and Kayali’s leading the charge.
Big win. Big energy. Mona Kattan, we see you.
Another big slay for the iconic sisters: Huda recently reclaimed full ownership of Huda Beauty.