Candy Magazine

Photographer: Terry Richardson. Model(s): Jarod Leto. Stylist: Luis Venegas.

Posted Jul 22, 2013

Following in the fabulous footsteps of Franco, Jarod Leto keeps the Candy standards high with this stunning editorial shot by the leader of the Free Fashion World, Terry Richardson. Inspired by his recent role in The Dallas Buyers Club, Leto reminds us why he has remained an enigmatic figure in the likes of an industry that prefers to chew up their young and leave them forgotten. Never allowing anyone to dictate the terms of his artistry, part of his allure is that he is willing to go to any lengths to preserve his creative rights. Daring to redefine the concept of Drag, Richardson captures what I like to call “Commitment Dressing.” A term better to describe this kind of beautiful transformation, I submit, that anyone who endures the hard work it takes is more about elevating the spirit of the Soul than “Dragging” anything down. Celebrating the art of change, in this powerful piece I feel the passion it would take to portray a remarkable character like Rayon (a HIV-positive cross-dresser who helps Aids victim Ron Woodroof, played by Matthew McConaughey, get the FDA to legalize anti-viral medications in 1986). Anyone looking at these images and only seeing a pretty man dressed in women’s clothing, are missing out on the many shades of subtly being emoted by this amazing actor. A man after my own heart, whether it’s performing with his band 30 Seconds to Mars or pushing the limits of his craft, Jarod Leto has always been a leader in the avant-garde army out on the front lines helping us fight the war on mediocrity.