Coco Johnsen

Coco Johnsen, born Nancy Johnsen on April 6, 1966, in North Carolina, is an American model and fashion designer. Raised in foster care and an orphanage during her childhood, she completed her early education before moving to New York City, where a modeling scout discovered her on the subway. She signed with Elite Model Management, beginning a professional career that took her to major fashion markets across North America, Europe, and Africa.

Early Career and Modeling

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Johnsen established a presence as an international editorial and commercial model. She appeared in prominent print publications including Swedish Elle, Essence, Vibe, and Glamour, while participating in major advertising campaigns for brands such as Revlon, Target, Diesel Jeans, and Coors Light. In addition to commercial print work, she landed featured roles in music videos for prominent hip-hop and R&B artists, working alongside noted directors including Brett Ratner. In September 2001, she earned recognition as Playboy's Cyber Girl of the Week and was later featured in the magazine's 50th-anniversary commemorative issue.

Transition to Fashion Design

After several years in front of the camera, Johnsen chose to broaden her expertise in the garment industry. She relocated to Los Angeles and enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Following her studies, she launched her own luxury womenswear label, the Coco Johnsen Collection. Encouraged by fashion industry figures, her debut collections were presented during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles and Style Fashion Week. Her designs—focused on elegant gowns, evening wear, and empowering apparel—have been worn by celebrity clients, featured on red carpets, and showcased in publications such as Vogue UK, Harper's Bazaar, and WWD.

Public Profile and Media

Beyond her design work, Johnsen became a familiar figure on red carpets and television broadcasts throughout the 2000s and 2010s. In late 2004, she attracted significant national media attention following a high-profile legal dispute with television host and political commentator Bill Maher, though the matter was formally dismissed in 2005. In subsequent years, she has continued to operate her independent fashion house based in Los Angeles, focusing on custom eveningwear and boutique fashion initiatives.