MAGAZINE

Alpha Archives: Leslie Jordan: A Bright Light in the World of Comedy

written by

SHERI ANGELES, CLINT PORTE

The Alpha Magazine team had the absolute pleasure of working with the incomparable Leslie Jordan, a man you can't help but love. When planning this shoot, I knew I wanted to capture the essence of his fun personality, his comedy and attitude of not taking life so seriously.

As I was thinking of ideas for him, Elton John came to mind, because of his fu and unique outfits and that make a statement. Immediately, I thought to myself, "Oh yes, this is happening," and instant inspiration came.

So I ran with it, sharing ideas with Taylor, one of Alpha's amazing stylists, and with her fashion expertise, she helped bring my vision to life. This is partly why we make such a great team - we just get each other.

Next up was the location and the scene for the shoot, and being that I was already cruising down inspiration lane, I thought, "clouds!" I had been dreaming up a crazy, cool cloud-art installation, but I just had to wait for the right person. Leslie was made for it. Taylor had a fun vision to bring over-sized ice cream into the mix, and boom! We created magic of epic proportions.

The shoot day landed on none other than Mother's Day, in the middle of the Flower District in Downtown Los Angeles. People were skirting around the streets like it was Black Friday, picking up their last minute flowers for their mothers; parking, a nightmare, as we all drove around fighting for a place to park while trying not to hit pedestrians.

Eventually, the heavens opened up and we found parking spots, thank God! One by one, the team and Leslie made their way into the studio for a fun, "Elton John" inspired shoot.

Throughout the shoot, we enjoyed listening to Leslie's new album, Company's Comin'.

He described it as a gospel album and it comes highly recommended from us over at Alpha. He even has some icons featured in his album, like the legendary Dolly Parton (yup, no biggie). Without fail, Leslie had us cracking up during the whole shoot, especially during the ice cream scene. He would grab the 6ft chocolate milkshake (Leslie is only 4'11") in his furry green trench coat, put it under his arm and storm away, as if he had just had a horrible break up and was taking back that expensive gift he bought for his partner. We were definitely blessed to capture some amazing shots.

Embracing His Authentic Self

The moment you meet Leslie, it is like you've known him your whole life. He is a man who treats everyone with such kindness that you feel an instant bond; like he is your long-lost friend and you've reconnected years later as if no time had passed.

If you ask me, that is a pretty special quality to have, even after being in the public eye for as long as he has. Maybe it's his upbringing that instilled the characteristics of being a southern gentlemen and treating everyone the way you want to be treated, that has garnered him such a dedicated fan base and illustrious career.

credits

talent

Leslie Jordan

photographer

Sheri Angeles - @sheriangeles

photo Assist

Renee.waniolek - @renee.waniolek

Stylist

Leigh Taylor - @styledbyleightaylor

key mua + hair

Desiree Yvonne - @desireeyvonnee

video