I had the privilege of attending what I can honestly describe as one of the most thoughtful and emotionally resonant product launches I’ve ever experienced in Hollywood. Hosted by Dubai Bling star and KAYALI founder Mona Kattan, the unveiling of the new FREEDOM fragrance collection transformed nya WEST into a sanctuary of self-love, scent exploration, and empowerment — a celebration that felt more like a love letter than a launch event.
From the moment guests stepped into the space, we were invited to not just smell fragrance, but to feel it — to understand scent as identity, memory, mood, and meaning. It was clear that this night was designed with intention. And perhaps that’s what has always set the Kattan family apart: their ability to elevate beauty into something expressive, intimate, and deeply personal.
The KAYALI FREEDOM Collection: A Journey of Becoming
Mona introduced FREEDOM as her most personal collection to date — a reflection of her own evolution toward self-acceptance, confidence, and inner peace. Featuring four musk-forward scents — Freedom Musk Bouquet | 27, Freedom Musk Santal | 34, Freedom Musk Matcha | 45, and Freedom Musk Latte | 41 — the new collection explores the emotional language of fragrance.
The message was unmistakable:
Freedom is a choice. Freedom is a reclamation. Freedom is internal.
During the event, I was gifted a personalized bottle from the collection — engraved with a word I hold close: manifest. It was the perfect affirmation for where I am and where I’m going. I left feeling seen, inspired, and genuinely uplifted. Aromatherapy has a way of speaking to the spirit, and last night, it spoke loudly.
A Night of Culture, Community & Creative Liberation
The guest list reflected a beautifully diverse cross-section of beauty, fashion, and cultural tastemakers — from editors and celebrities to fragrance connoisseurs and digital creators. We moved through immersive installations, signature scent bars, and a surprise performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Kali Uchis, whose bilingual artistry and embrace of fluid identity mirrored the collection’s theme of being more than one thing.
The room didn’t just celebrate fragrance — it celebrated freedom of self.
Freedom to express.
Freedom to explore.
Freedom to be soft, bold, multifaceted, unapologetic.
It felt like home.
The Kattan Legacy: Beauty as Empowerment
To understand this collection, you have to understand the women behind it.
Huda Kattan
Before she became one of the most influential names in global beauty, Huda was a makeup artist blogging tutorials from her home. Today, she is the founder of Huda Beauty, one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the world, and a leader in reimagining beauty standards — encouraging women to embrace the features, textures, and identities that make them who they are.
Mona Kattan
While Huda built a visual beauty empire, Mona built a sensory one. A lifelong fragrance lover, she launched KAYALI in 2018, honoring her Middle Eastern heritage through scent layering — turning perfume into ritual, memory, and love language.
Together, these sisters have reshaped beauty culture globally — not just by selling products, but by telling stories. Stories that center women. Stories that inspire us to show up fully. Stories that remind us we are allowed to be powerful and tender at the same time.
Leaving Inspired — & Seen
As the evening drew to a close, I realized why this launch felt different:
It wasn’t about market positioning.
It wasn’t about hype.
It was about heart.
Mona created a space where we were encouraged to slow down, breathe deeply, and return to ourselves.
I left with more than a perfume bottle — I left renewed.
And that is the true power of scent.
Watch the Moment Come Alive
I’m sharing exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes footage from the night — from scent installations to Kali Uchis’ performance to candid moments of connection and joy.
@lilabrownv2 @Kali Uchis surprise live performance at @Kayali fragrance launch party in #Hollywood #KaliUchis #music #singer #Kayali ♬ original sound – LilaBrownv2
