Skylar, the Los Angeles-based fragrance brand known for its clean formulations and California-inspired ethos, is entering a new era. On July 8, the company announced Leah Kateb as its newly appointed Chief Creative Officer and self-proclaimed “Refounder,” signaling a shift toward a more elevated and expressive identity for the brand.
Best known for her breakout moment on Love Island USA and her rapidly growing influence across fashion and beauty, Kateb brings a creative edge rooted in authenticity, entrepreneurial savvy, and a deep appreciation for scent as personal narrative. Her appointment follows a now-viral video in which she casually highlighted Skylar’s Vanilla Sky fragrance during her shower routine—a candid moment that organically aligned with the brand’s philosophy and sparked an ongoing collaboration.
“Vanilla Sky by Skylar was my secret weapon, warm, cozy, a little flirty. People always asked what I was wearing. I always knew I had a special connection to fragrance, but Skylar felt different. It felt clean, sexy, and completely me. So when they called, it just made sense. Now I get to help reimagine a brand I genuinely love, from the inside out.”Leah Kateb, Chief Creative Officer
Skylar has long built its reputation on clean, hypoallergenic scents that resonate with a health-conscious, minimalist aesthetic. But with Kateb at the creative helm, the brand is pivoting toward a bolder, more emotionally charged direction—one that invites sensuality, individuality, and personality back into the fragrance conversation.
Behind the scenes, Kateb has already been embedded in scent development, brand storytelling, and the creative framework for a full refresh, working closely with the Skylar team to reimagine every element of the brand’s identity.
“To know Leah is to love her. Her innate sense of style, passion for fragrance, and rigorous work ethic make her an incredible match for Skylar. We couldn’t be more excited to officially welcome her to the Skylar family.”Ross Sklar, CEO of Starco Brands, Skylar’s parent company
The rebrand is expected to roll out in phases, beginning with new product launches and visual language that reflect Kateb’s evolving vision—think packaging updates, brand campaigns, and scents that capture a deeper sense of place, mood, and personality.
Kateb’s rise from reality star to bonafide beauty tastemaker has been rapid but strategic. She’s cultivated a loyal community by merging high-fashion sensibilities with a refreshingly unfiltered online presence. As CCO, she now brings that duality to a brand eager to explore the intersection of clean formulation and sensual storytelling.
Her influence arrives at a time when the fragrance space is shifting. Consumers increasingly seek scents that reflect identity, memory, and mood, moving beyond simple notes and toward narrative-rich profiles. Skylar’s pivot under Kateb’s guidance positions it to meet that moment—maintaining its clean formulation standards while embracing emotional complexity and aesthetic depth.
Though full details of the brand refresh are still under wraps, the message is clear: Skylar is not just evolving; it’s being reborn. With Kateb guiding its creative future, the company is poised to move beyond the “clean beauty” niche and into a wider luxury lifestyle space, one where fragrance becomes a form of modern self-expression.
Expect to see new scent profiles, elevated packaging, immersive storytelling, and partnerships that reflect both Skylar’s California roots and Kateb’s global influence.