In an exclusive sit-down with ELLE India, Mona Kattan, co-founder of Kayali, shared the inspirations behind her latest fragrance, Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42. Surrounded by the tantalising aromas of her creations, we explored Mona’s deep love for gourmand scents, her fond memories of childhood, and the art of fragrance layering.
Crafting Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42
As we sampled the new fragrance, Mona explained that traditional fragrance families don’t bind her creative process. “It all starts with a feeling or memory,” she said, smiling as she described her passion for sweet treats. “I’ve always loved candy, and that joy is something I wanted to capture.” Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42, with its playful notes of bubble gum, jellybeans, and candied pear, is a testament to this love. “I wanted to create a youthful, sweeter sister to our beloved Vanilla | 28,” Mona shared, hinting at the nostalgia woven into the scent’s composition.
While vanilla scents can sometimes be overwhelmingly sweet, Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 offers a balanced and intricate experience. As we took in the fragrance, Mona described its evolution: “It starts with a burst of candied pear and bubble gum—really fun and vibrant. Then, the rock sugar and sweet violet come through, adding a soft, musky depth. The white caramel rounds it out with a creamy, buttery finish.” This isn’t just a fragrance; it’s a sensory journey that keeps you intrigued with every whiff.
Dessert Inspirations: Mona’s Sweet Memories
As we talked about the inspiration behind her dessert-inspired scents, Mona’s eyes lit up. “Pistachio gelato is my absolute favourite,” she confessed, recalling a trip to Rome where she first tasted authentic Italian gelato. This love for sweets is not just a passing fancy; it’s a source of inspiration for her work. The fragrance Yum, which pays homage to this beloved treat, captures the essence of those cherished moments.
The Art of Layering
For those looking to experiment with their fragrance collection, Mona offered some expert tips. “Layering is all about creating a scent that feels uniquely yours,” she explained. She suggested pairing Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 with Vanilla | 28 for a cosy, comforting vibe. For something brighter and more refreshing, she recommended Eden Sparkling Lychee | 30. And for a touch of dreamy escapism, Utopia Vanilla Coco | 21 adds a delightful twist with its creamy coconut notes.
Spending time with Mona Kattan and experiencing her fragrances first-hand was a delightful adventure. Her passion for creating scents that evoke emotion and memory is palpable, and Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 is a perfect example of her craft. Whether you’re a gourmand fragrance lover or just beginning to explore the world of scents, Kayali’s latest offering invites you to indulge in a playful and nostalgic olfactory journey.
