Inside Darianka Sanchez’s World: 2000s Icons, Flower Crowns, and Finding Her Own Lane
If you were on Tumblr in 2013, scouring Depop in 2017, or scrolling TikTok in 2024, chances are you’ve seen Darianka Sanchez. She’s part model, part creator, part vintage fashion sleuth, and entirely herself. Her world blends Y2K nostalgia, real-girl relatability, and a wardrobe that looks like it was curated directly from a lost 2000s movie costume closet. I caught up with Darianka to talk about the early days, the outfits, the Coachella moments, and how she balances it all while keeping her world uniquely her own. Let’s get into it.
An Overview of Darianka
Audrey: To start off, can you give us a little summary of yourself and your personal brand in your own words? How would you describe what you do?
Darianka: I’d say I do social media mixed in with some modeling. This question is actually so introspective, because anytime I’ve sat down in a meeting and gotten asked, "What do you do?" or more importantly, "What do you want to do?" my answer is literally: everything and anything that inspires me. I’m a very curious person, and I want to run toward new things that excite me.
The Early Days
Audrey: Have you always been drawn to this kind of creative world?
Darianka: Totally. All I wanted to do was perform in different ways. I was obsessed with Hannah Montana and had so many themed Hannah birthday parties. I’ve always loved performing, but as I got older, I discovered Tumblr, YouTube, and the internet—and that changed everything. I love connecting with people who love the same things I love. It’s really special.
A Look into Her Personal Style
Audrey: How would you describe your personal style?
Darianka: I’m obsessed with all things 2000s and 90s. Mixing the things I grew up watching with my own twist is such a big part of my style. Clothes are so important to me — it sounds dramatic, but it’s true. If you pulled up an old photo of me from high school, I could tell you exactly where every piece was from and give you a full deep dive. Right now, I love Mischa Barton (and Marissa Cooper, obviously), the Olsen twins, Britney — I love boho with a little bit of whimsy. And honestly most of my wardrobe is from eBay, Depop, and Poshmark. It’s my favorite hobby.
Current Favorite Trends
Audrey: Any specific pieces or trends you're loving right now?
Darianka: I’m really into wedges—especially the kind you tie up your leg. They’re the perfect mix of cute and sexy. I’ve also been on the hunt for the tiniest, most low-rise vintage Hollister shorts to ever exist. I designed the cutest bikinis for my brand MadeInRica, and I’m so excited for those. Lately, my Pinterest has been full of vintage Blumarine, sheer pieces, summer dresses with Uggs… I even pinned a photo of Amanda Bynes from What a Girl Wants where she’s wearing a skirt over jeans. I need to try that ASAP.
Her Creative Inspirations & Vibe
Audrey: Where are you creatively right now?
Darianka: I’ve felt so me lately!!! It’s been amazing and freeing to really come into myself. Connecting with my supporters through clothing and vibes has been so fun and special. My recent Instagram posts with the mermaid floatie and the Chanel look are very much my style. I even posted a 2024 love letter featuring this insane vintage 2004 Valentino dress from myrunwayarchive, who I loveeee. That dress is everything. I miss her.
Online vs. IRL Balance
Audrey: How do you balance being online with your personal life?
Darianka: I try to focus on the positives—the negatives are inevitable, but I feel so lucky and grateful every day to live my dream life. I definitely keep certain parts of my life private, but I’m also not someone who posts 24/7, so I think I’ve created a safe space for myself while still having fun. I live a very drama-free life, besides the occasional fight with my sister over borrowing our mom’s vintage sunglasses without asking — so it’s not like TMZ is knocking on my door haha.
A Day in the Life
Audrey: Can you walk us through your dream day in NYC?
Darianka Some days are so chaotic that I fall asleep in whatever I wore to the airport or a shoot. But on a calm day, sleeping in and my sweet boyfriend making me breakfast in bed <3333. A perfect day would be walking to Central Park, getting the grilled cheese from Butterfield on the Upper East Side (it’s the best), reading at the park, doing some window shopping—or real shopping—and then going to see a movie. That’s a perfect Darianka day.
Coachella Outfits (Iconic)
Audrey: Let’s talk about your Coachella looks. How do you approach festival fashion?
Darianka: The fact that you think I’m anywhere near a Coachella icon is so crazy to me! Thank you, so sweet!! This year I passed by an ice cream cart at Coachella and the girls working there stopped me for a photo. They were the cutest ever and gave me a free creamsicle in exchange for the photo. Those moments are so special—it’s like, is this real life? Fashion-wise, I plan my outfits about three weeks before because I order everything online and need time to try it all on. I’m inspired by the original Coachella icons like Vanessa Hudgens — and just the Tumblr of it all. I was digging through Wet Seal on Depop and found the cross shirt I wore on day 2. Honestly, the hardest part was finding the perfect flower crown — and of course, I ended up finding it at… Claire’s.
Rapid Fire Round
Favorite fashion city: New York.
Go-to coffee order: No coffee for me... but I love a cotton candy frappe.
Favorite NYC club: Anywhere I can dance! Haven’t found my perfect one yet. Open to recommendations.
Signature scent: My everyday is Nest Madagascar Vanilla oil. I also love Pacifica Island Vanilla from Target—so good. Nighttime: Tom Ford Café Rose.
Favorite Uber Eats order: McDonald's or Taco Bell, pleaseee.
Designer to wear on a desert island: Blumarine….does Juicy Couture count?
Main character album: Blackout by Britney obviously.
Thank you Darianka!
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