Here’s a young queen and makeup artist in NYC making her mark on the scene–get your summertime gladness on with wildcard Koko Del Rey!
Thotyssey: Hello Koko, thanks for chatting today! How is your Pride Month so far?
Koko Del Rey: Amazing! I’ve been doing gigs here and there during the month, and I’m truly feeling all the love this year. I’m so happy that we as a community are really coming together during such a tough time.
I saw you did Babylon Pride recently, how did that go?
Great! Hopefully I will be able to do it again next year.
How long have you been doing drag?
For about three and a half years now, but I’ve been doing makeup for close to seven.
Yes, you’re a professional makeup artist, too. It must be challenging sometimes to remember to do a soft beat on your civilian clients, when you have to do so much heavy drag contouring on yourself!
OMG, for sure! But my favorite type of client is someone who’s not afraid of a little more makeup on their face–obviously no clown makeup, but definitely nice and stamped.
So where are you from originally, and were you always into creative stuff while growing up?
I’m from Florida, but moved up to New York young. I’ve always been into fashion, art, makeup ever since I could remember.
What encouraged you to become Koko… and did Lana Del Rey inspire your name?
Probably seeing some of my friends who were older then me; in high school I thought to myself that I could do it myself, and how cool it would be? And Lana definitely has a major role in me finding my divine femininity and female aura, which is the essence of Koko.
We also have a Lana Del Trey and a Lana Ja’Rae here in NYC–have you done shows with them?
Yes I have! I’ve talked more to Lana Del Trey, but I know Lana Ja’Rae is a sweetheart, too.
How might you describe your drag today?
I would describe my look as sexy fashionista with a Y2K flair. Numbers, I would say I definitely love doing numbers that get the crowd going–popular songs. And I also try and reference niche and popular memes in mixes and such.
You’re coming back as a wildcard contestant for the Mx. Cantina competition finale at Fresco’s on Saturday, hosted by Inita D! How has this competition experience been like for you, and what can we expect from your finale performance?
This experience has been truly amazing because not only am I getting to put on an amazing show with so many of my sisters, but the venue itself speaks volumes–I love Fresco’s! And what to expect? A whole lotta Barbie.
What else is coming up for you?
Honestly, after this gig I’m not sure. I always like to pop out to events in face. But as far as performing, I’m not sure when my next gig is gonna be. Hopefully soon!
Last but certainly not least: how important is Pride to you this week?
Pride is very important because not only does it give us the time to be reminded of how much community there is, but also a time for us to come together. And with everything that is going on in the world, now more then ever… if we are given a time to be celebrated, we must cherish it.
Well said! Happy Pride, Koko!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Koko Del Rey’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 