Last night at the Ace Hotel’s Liberty Hall, Alan Cumming and perfumier Christopher Brosius celebrated the launch of 2nd (Alan) Cumming, a fragrance not substantially different from Cumming, Mr. Cumming’s pre-existing perfume, but one whose proceeds go to charity. “It’s a re-risen version of the original,” said Mr. Brosius, whose share of the proceeds are to go to The LGBT Smoke Free Project. “I’m a smoker,” he said, “and I know how hard it is to quit.”
Notes in the fragrance, which could be sampled by grabbing one of a large pile of pre-spritzed brief underwear at the party’s entrance, include “cigar,” as well as “rubber” and “black pepper.”
“If I’m working with a private client, it’s all about their input,” said Mr. Brosius, wearing a gothesque chain necklace made of huge silver crosses. He said that he and Mr. Cumming had considered 500 possible options. “I am the conduit.”
Mr. Cumming, in camouflage print, luxuriated on a couch, discussing his input into the fragrance. “I told him all the smells I like,” he lilted. “I like so many smells. I told him all the other things I like. And he had ones that made him think of me!”
What was his favorite—what’s the word—note in the fragrance? “Leather.”
Why? “I like leather. Also dirt. I like dirt.” He mimed rubbing his own neck. “It comes in different forms. It comes as an oil.” Rub, rub. “I think it’s more sexy, like, oils and unctions being smeared over you by a lover.”
Mr. Cumming was pleased to have been nominated, for a second consecutive year, for an Emmy for his role in The Good Wife. “Last year, I was nominated in one category, [Best Guest Actor] this year I’m nominated in another category [Best Supporting Actor],” he said. “I’m going to have to get a sex change so I can be nominated for Best Supporting Actress!”
ddaddario@observer.com :: @DPD_