Leila Santese, known professionally as Lela Sohna, is an Italian-American model, social media influencer, and cosplayer. Born on October 29, 2000, she has established a significant digital presence, primarily on Instagram and TikTok, where she is known for her fashion-forward content, cosplay, and advocacy for body positivity. Santese rose to fame by blending high-fashion aesthetics with approachable lifestyle content, amassing a multi-platform following in the tens of millions. In 2026, she continues to expand her brand through viral marketing campaigns, high-profile collaborations, and strategic media appearances.
Contents
Quick Facts
Physical Appearance
Santese is recognized for her curvy physique and bold aesthetic, often incorporating cosplay and themed fashion into her public image. Her distinctive look has become a central element of her personal brand, challenging traditional modeling standards while maintaining a high-fashion appeal.
Career Highlights
Leila Santese launched her Instagram account in November 2021 and quickly gained traction through a mix of cosplay, modeling shoots, and dance content . Her major breakthrough occurred in 2024 when her Instagram account received verification, solidifying her status as a top creator. By early 2026, her TikTok account had surpassed 7 million followers, accumulating over 160 million likes, while her Instagram following exceeded 2.1 million .
2025-2026 Notable Events:
- Viral Dating Story (Feb 2026): Santese garnered international headlines after detailing a date with global music superstar Drake. She revealed that Drake slid into her DMs following a Nelk Boys livestream in London, where he reportedly claimed he would “quit rap” for her. The story became one of the most talked-about pop culture moments of early 2026 .
- Formula 1 Collaboration (March 2026): Santese expanded her reach into sports marketing by partnering with the McLaren Formula 1 team. She posted a viral TikTok dance video wearing McLaren’s newly released MCL40 livery colors, leading to massive engagement and speculation about an official ambassadorship .
- Streaming Appearances: She has made notable guest appearances on popular live streams, including the Nelk Boys’ “Bachelor Edition” and Plaqueboymax’s Valentine’s Day stream, where she discussed her preference for “nerdy” partners who share her interests in cosplay and gaming .
Education
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Leila Santese has not publicly disclosed specific details regarding her formal higher education. Public records indicate she began her professional social media career in 2021, suggesting a focus on digital marketing and content creation post-secondary school. |
Personal Life
Santese maintains a relatively private personal life despite her public career. She identifies as a “nerd” and has expressed interest in partners who share her enthusiasm for cosplay and gaming . In February 2026, she confirmed a dinner date with rapper Drake, describing him as a “gentleman,” though she clarified she was unsure of the future direction of their connection .
Social Media Presence
Leila Santese operates primarily under the handle “Lela Sohna” across most platforms. The following links are verified as accurate as of June 2026.
| Platform | Username / Link | Follower Count (2026 est.) |
|---|---|---|
| @lelasohnabaka | 2.1 Million+ | |
| TikTok | @lelasohna | 7 Million+ |
| X (Twitter) | @itsleilasantese | Active |
| YouTube | @lelasohna | Active |
Financial Overview
| Category | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Approx. Net Worth (2026) | $500,000 – $750,000 (USD) |
| Primary Income Sources | Sponsored content, brand deals (Fashion/Beauty), TikTok Creator Fund, YouTube ad revenue, affiliate marketing. |
| Notable Campaigns | McLaren F1 integration, Fashion Nova collaborations, various cosplay/convention partnerships. |
Conclusion
Leila Santese has successfully transitioned from a niche cosplay creator to a mainstream social media powerhouse by mid-2026. Leveraging a viral encounter with Drake to gain crossover pop culture attention, while simultaneously securing commercial partnerships with entities like McLaren F1, she has demonstrated a keen ability for strategic career growth. As a bilingual Italian-American voice advocating for body confidence and geek culture, Santese represents a new archetype of the modern influencer—one who is equally comfortable in high-fashion editorials, live streaming interviews, and major sports marketing campaigns. Her trajectory suggests continued expansion into entertainment and brand ownership in the coming years.
