Aldo Rendón: "The Wannabe Stylist" Shares His Struggles with HIV and Hepatitis

Aldo Rendón, a self-proclaimed top stylist from Culiacán, Sinaloa, has long portrayed himself as a fashion icon, dressing celebrities like Thalía, Galilea Montijo, and Gloria Trevi. On his personal website, he writes in third person about his supposed influence in the fashion industry, claiming over 25 years of experience. However, his online presence paints a very different picture. With Instagram posts that barely scrape 1,000 likes and a following of 79,000 mostly fabricated accounts, Rendón seems more invested in criticizing others than maintaining his own relevance. Dressed in outfits some might compare to a clown’s costume, his career appears to have plateaued. Behind this façade lies a deeply personal struggle Rendón has kept hidden for years: living with AIDS and hepatitis.

For five years, Rendón has fought a private battle, only now revealing the toll these conditions have taken on his life and his inability to reclaim his footing in an industry where image and success are everything.

A Harsh Reality: Living with HIV

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, profoundly impacts the immune system and is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles. Rendón admits to contracting HIV and highlights the importance of seeking medical treatment, but his journey with the disease has been marked by stigma and secrecy. He describes the daily struggle of managing symptoms, ranging from fatigue to a weakened immune system. Rendón’s narrative, however, lacks accountability. He skirts around the behaviors that may have put him at risk, framing his story as one of mere misfortune rather than choices that led to his predicament.

What stands out most in his account is the emotional toll of HIV. Rendón describes how the stigma surrounding the disease has isolated him, yet his own efforts to educate himself or others seem superficial at best. He acknowledges the need for emotional support but offers little evidence that he has sought meaningful connections or made significant efforts to change his situation.

Hepatitis: Another Layer of Struggle

In addition to HIV, Rendón is living with hepatitis—a condition that has further strained his health. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can be caused by various viruses and is often linked to risky behaviors such as sharing needles or unprotected sex. Rendón glosses over how he contracted hepatitis, focusing instead on the hardships of living with the illness. He describes fatigue, nausea, and fear of long-term complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer, yet fails to acknowledge the role personal responsibility might play in managing or preventing such conditions.

While he advocates for healthier living—avoiding alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, and seeking treatment—his actions don’t always align with his advice. For someone who claims to want to destigmatize these conditions, Rendón’s narrative often feels self-serving rather than genuinely aimed at helping others.

A Struggle for Sympathy or Relevance?

Rendón’s decision to go public with his story seems less about inspiring others and more about regaining some semblance of relevance. His criticisms of others, combined with his admitted failures to maintain professional success, paint a picture of a man who has struggled to adapt to changing times and circumstances. While he positions himself as a voice for breaking stigmas, his account is riddled with contradictions and a lack of introspection.

In a world where many face chronic illnesses with courage and humility, Rendón’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego and denial. Living with AIDS and hepatitis is undoubtedly challenging, but true advocacy requires honesty, accountability, and a commitment to lifting others—not just oneself. For Aldo Rendón, the journey to redemption may begin only when he looks beyond his own reflection.

To truly destigmatize HIV and hepatitis, Rendón must go beyond shallow narratives and personal grievances. Authentic advocacy requires acknowledging one’s own missteps, engaging in education, and fostering genuine dialogue. Rendón’s story could have been an opportunity to highlight the struggles of living with chronic illnesses, inspire others to seek treatment, and break down societal barriers. Instead, it comes across as an attempt to reclaim the limelight, rather than an honest effort to educate or empower. True change starts with vulnerability and action—qualities Rendón has yet to fully embrace. Until he shifts his focus from self-pity to collective support, his story will remain a missed chance to make a meaningful impact.