5 questions with Jared Leto

SINGAPORE — He probably smells as good as he looks — especially since he’s the face of HUGO Fragrances’ latest scent, HUGO Red.

And the newly minted Oscar-winning musician-actor is thoroughly enjoying it. “It’s been a brand new experience. It’s exciting to see things come together. All of it from the product design to the olfactory elements. I think it’s really fun to be part of it and watch it come alive.”

Don’t think the 42-year-old is merely the pretty face that fronts the woody grapefruit scent. “As a self-professed control freak, I certainly have input. These people have been great to work with. There are no ultimatums here; it is a collaborative campaign.

“Nobody’s jamming anything down anyone’s throat. But I also think that we’re working with a calibre of people here who all have input — from directors to photographers and beyond. People who are all collaborating to try to make something really, truly great.” ZHANG WEIFANG

Q: You’ve been the face of HUGO Fragrances since 2011. What makes this different from the previous ones?

A: I’m not a professional as far as olfactory things go, but it’s nice to have something new and refreshing. It’s a bit of an evolution from (the previous fragrance) Just Different.

Q: So how was it like working on this new campaign?

A: I think it’s wonderful. It’s different and it’s fun to be a part of something like this and to see the results of all the hard work and creativity that have gone on. I’m really happy to be involved with it.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe it as haphazard and not very carefully thought out. But I don’t think about it so much. Men tend to wear things that are comfortable and convenient and that’s kind of where I’m at.

Q: You are known to push boundaries in fashion. Do you always wear what you want to wear?

A: I’m just not a big believer in playing things safe. I don’t put that much thought into it, to tell you the truth. I don’t work in an office, so I have the luxury of not adhering to any dress code. And I don’t take any of it too seriously at the end of the day. So, I have a bit of fun with it and act fairly impulsively when it comes to fashion.

Q: Can you give us any style tips?

A: I never give style tips. But I just think you have to be true to yourself. I’m fortunate because I don’t have to follow anyone’s dress code. I can do what I want. I just generally dress mostly in terms of comfort. Most of the time. But I don’t take any of it too seriously.

HUGO Red is retailing for S$90 (75ml) and S$129 (150ml) at department stores.