Home News Plus4

Coco Austin 1997: The Untold Story Of Her Explosive Modeling Debut At 18

• minute read
Contents

The year 1997 marks the pivotal, often-overlooked moment when Nicole Natalie Austin, now known globally as Coco Austin, first stepped into the spotlight, launching a decades-long career that would redefine the glamour modeling industry. At just 18 years old, the future reality star and entrepreneur began a journey that would see her transition from a swimsuit model featured in niche magazines to a mainstream television personality and businesswoman. This early start laid the foundation for her later success and her controversial claim to being one of the original "curvy models" in a landscape dominated by waif-like figures.

As of late December 2025, Coco Austin remains a prominent figure in pop culture, consistently generating headlines alongside her husband, rapper and actor Ice-T. Her early career in the late 90s, however, holds the key to understanding the foundation of her brand, which continues to evolve today with her focus on family life, motherhood, and her continued presence at high-profile events like New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Biography and Profile: The Evolution of Nicole Austin Marrow

Coco Austin's life is a fascinating study in reinvention, moving from a teenage model to a reality TV icon and devoted mother. The following is a detailed look at the key facts that define her public and private life:

  • Full Name: Nicole Natalie Austin Marrow (née Austin)
  • Common Aliases: Coco Austin, Coco Marie, Coco-T
  • Date of Birth: March 17, 1979
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 46 years old
  • Birthplace: Palos Verdes, California, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Spouse: Ice-T (Tracy Marrow) (Married since 2002)
  • Child: Chanel Nicole Marrow (Born 2015)
  • Notable Career Milestones: Began modeling in 1997, Miss Ujena winner (1998), Playboy Mansion events (2001), Star of the reality show Ice Loves Coco (2011–2013).
  • Known For: Glamour modeling, fitness modeling, reality television, her distinctive physique, and her outspoken views on motherhood.

The 1997 Breakthrough: Swimwear International and the Curvy Model Pioneer

The year 1997 was transformative for the then-18-year-old Nicole Austin. While many models of the era were celebrated for their slender, 'heroin chic' aesthetic, Coco was carving out a space for a different body type: the fitness and glamour model. This early career move was not accidental; it was a deliberate specialization in swimsuit and lingerie modeling that showcased a more athletic and curvaceous figure.

Her first major exposure came from a magazine cover that year. Coco Austin has shared throwback photos of herself gracing the cover of a publication like Swimwear International (sometimes cited as Swimwear Illustrated) in 1997. The photo, reportedly taken in Greece, was a significant milestone, marking her official entry into the competitive modeling world. This cover instantly positioned her in the niche market of 'exotic' and 'glamour' photography, which would become her trademark.

This early work led directly to her first major contest win. In 1998, at the age of 19, she won the prestigious Miss Ujena contest in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Winning this bikini contest solidified her status as a top-tier glamour model and opened doors to more mainstream opportunities. By 2001, she was working regularly at the Playboy Mansion, attending events and parties, further establishing her brand in the adult entertainment and glamour industry.

The significance of her 1997 debut cannot be overstated in the context of the "curvy" movement. Long before social media influencers and mainstream acceptance of the hourglass figure, Coco Austin was actively promoting a look that was counter-cultural to the prevailing trends. She has often claimed to be a pioneer of the "booty phenomenon," paving the way for models with similar body types to achieve mainstream recognition.

From Glamour Model to Reality TV Icon: The Ice-T Era

Coco's career trajectory shifted dramatically after she met and married rapper and actor Ice-T (Tracy Marrow) in 2002. Their marriage quickly became a major media story, blending the world of hip-hop celebrity with glamour modeling. While Ice-T was already a household name from his music career and his long-running role as Detective Fin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (*Law & Order: SVU*), Coco's profile exploded.

The pinnacle of their joint celebrity came with the launch of their reality television series, Ice Loves Coco, which premiered on the E! network in 2011. The show chronicled their daily lives, their unconventional marriage, and their careers, turning Coco into a mainstream reality star. The series ran for three seasons, cementing her status as a television personality and a successful businesswoman in her own right.

This period saw Coco Austin diversify her career further, including acting roles, a successful website, and a strong presence on social media, where she continues to engage her fanbase with transparency about her life, health, and family.

The Latest Updates: Coco Austin in 2025 and Motherhood

In 2025, Coco Austin remains as active and controversial as ever, with her life revolving around her family and her continued public appearances. Her most talked-about recent entity is her daughter, Chanel Nicole Marrow, born in 2015.

Coco has been very open about her unique approach to parenting, which has often sparked public debate. In a November 2025 news cycle, she made headlines for discussing her decision to breastfeed Chanel until the child was six years old, a choice she defended as a natural and personal bonding experience. This willingness to share intimate and sometimes polarizing details of her life keeps her relevant and consistently in the news.

Furthermore, her presence at high-profile events confirms her enduring celebrity status. She continues to attend major fashion events, such as the LaQuan Smith show during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), often turning heads with her bold and striking fashion choices, demonstrating that her glamour model roots from 1997 are still very much a part of her public persona. As her daughter, Chanel, grows—recently starting fourth grade—Coco balances the roles of a long-time celebrity, a dedicated mother, and a trailblazing figure whose career started quietly in the world of 1990s swimsuit magazines.

coco austin 1997
coco austin 1997

Detail Author:

  • Name : Darian Bernier
  • Username : aylin13
  • Email : ozulauf@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1971-05-14
  • Address : 8926 Heidi Locks Apt. 950 Stiedemannhaven, KY 14038
  • Phone : 321-521-1788
  • Company : Zieme, Champlin and Walter
  • Job : Preschool Teacher
  • Bio : Sed fugit dolorem id pariatur atque nesciunt qui. Dolorem dolor quidem eum fugit voluptatem unde. Eos laudantium nulla molestias repellat iste exercitationem. Architecto ex rerum sequi laborum.

Socials

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/o'konl
  • username : o'konl
  • bio : Consequatur qui animi odio aut fugit enim deserunt. Voluptatum sed autem rerum labore aliquam. Tempora eos deserunt quisquam facere non ut.
  • followers : 3854
  • following : 1670

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/leonard_dev
  • username : leonard_dev
  • bio : Maiores occaecati et quasi sapiente corporis ullam atque deserunt.
  • followers : 2202
  • following : 908

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/leonard_dev
  • username : leonard_dev
  • bio : Sit ipsum nesciunt quia. Aspernatur ut necessitatibus aut. Enim ut nemo doloribus tempora aut.
  • followers : 3424
  • following : 1352

Random Posts