Casted on the next season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18, few performers channel chaos and couture quite like Nini Coco in the neon-lit world of Denver drag. At just 28, Nini has already carved out a striking lane: part comic-book villain, part high-fashion fever dream, and completely unforgettable.

But this rising star didn’t burst onto the scene overnight.

Her drag journey began quietly from four years of experimenting with makeup and gender expression in the privacy of her bedroom, transforming thrifted fabrics and pandemic boredom into something electric.

“I learned to sew during the pandemic and started upcycling thrifted pieces,” Nini explains. “It brought out a feminine side of myself that I could channel through drag and makeup.”

That creative spark soon demanded more than living-room lip syncs. Restless and ready, Nini stepped into the spotlight for the first time at Drag-O-lympics and walked away a winner. A year later, she’s a full-blown presence in the Denver scene, a performer who stitches her own looks, choreographs her stunts, and refuses to tone down her villain-era energy.

Who Is Nini Coco?

Think animated supervillain meets avant-garde runway. Sharp silhouettes. Graphic makeup. Anger served with a wink and a whip-sharp sense of humor.

“She’s sharp and graphic and a little bit angry,” Nini says. “Like I might need therapy, but instead, I do drag.”

She’s not just performing… she’s crafting worlds. Every costume is hand-made. Every movement, planned and practiced. Every performance? A little bit dangerous, always emotionally charged, never boring.

Community & Collaboration

While Nini doesn’t come from a formal drag “family,” she’s far from alone.

“I have a lot of siblings in drag. We help each other out, share ideas, and inspire each other.”

It’s a creative ecosystem, a support system stitched together like one of her upcycled gowns.

Where to Find the Supervillain Next

Catch Nini serving looks and unhinged villain energy regularly at Tracks Denver and X Bar. Want to know when she’s taking over the stage? Keep an eye on her Instagram because villains don’t keep tidy calendars, but they do post their gigs.

Find Nini Coco’s Upcoming Shows

Why Nini Matters

Nini Coco represents a new wave of drag talent: DIY-driven, gender-expansive, fearless, and fueled by raw creativity. Her story isn’t just about becoming a drag queen; it’s about building a persona, a skillset, and a world from scratch.

She didn’t wait for permission. She crafted her stage. And then she conquered it.

View Entire RPDR S18 Cast