Alan Cumming, who reprises his role as MC in the new production of Cabaret, shares some dandy thoughts:

– A DANDY TURNS UP THE VOLUME in every metaphorical way, like having a yellow jacket instead of a beige one and a large hat set at a jaunty angle. There’s a magpie quality, always seeing the brightest, shiniest thing. And also that self-affirming “Look at me, I look fabulous” attitude.

– YOU CAN FIND BEAUTY and sexual attraction in anyone. I shy away from being attracted to the obvious things about sexuality. It’s about someone’s aura and level of comfort with themselves.

– AT A PLAY LAST NIGHT I saw some military fatigue spats and thought, “My god, I would love a pair.” I have pangs not for a specific trend, but individual items I can’t find [laughs]. Right now I’m into suspenders and having my trousers tucked into tall boots, and a tank-top — I’m going “golfer” over the next couple of days.

– I LOVE TO MIX AND MATCH. Fashion should be about what you like, not what is dictated to you. I respond at a gut level, but have a very soft spot for up-and-coming eccentrics who could use a little help showing off their stuff. By wearing them you’re going to be more individual and less mainstream.

– BEING SCOTTISH, I don’t see kilts as a trend. It’s a garment I’ve always known. I like that people are discovering it, because it is a comfortable, attractive and manly item of clothing. It accentuates the whole feeling of being a man, because you get air into an area that you normally don’t. I love the way the pleats swing about and I love having a sporran, which is like having a handbag, a purse. Just talking about kilts has made me want to rush to my wardrobe and put one on.

– I’M OVERWHELMED WITH WORK, but I’m always open to something that will utterly inspire me enough to devote my time.

– COMING BACK AS EMCEE IN CABARET, I’m intrigued about what being older means to my dynamic with the people onstage. I think the main thing will be extreme because I will have a better understanding of the fun, unbridled sexuality of the Kit Kat Club, and of the sadness over what happens to the people in the other part of the story.

– GREAT PLAYS LIKE CABARET are done again and again because they have something to say to each generation.

Get your copy of the ISSUE 3 HUNGER featuring cover story with Alan Cumming.

crew credits:

Style & Production: CYNTHIA ALTORISO
Style assistants: SAVAGE, BRIANA BRIGHT, SIGALIT MAGEN
Hair: MICHAEL MORENO
Make-up: KYLE HARDER

fashion credits:

Red patent leather trench coat by: CRAIG ROBINSON NEW YORK
Vintage silk shirt and opera scarf: courtesy of CYNTHIA ALTORISO
Gold crown : MORDEKAI by KEN BOROCHEV
Beatles Coat: TURNBULL & ASSER
Boots: JOHN VARVATOS
Jacket : ETRO
Pants: ETRO
Shirt: J.R. MALPERE
Vintage Czech crystal shoulder necklace: courtesy of BARBARA HOFF
Pink cigarette: NAT SHERMAN FANTASIA
Vest and coat: RALPH LAUREN
Hat: ROD KEENAN
Shirt: ROBERT GRAHAM
Boots: WOLVERINE
Neckerchief: PAUL STUART
Umbrella: PAUL STUART
Pocket brooch: vintage Czech crystal: courtesy of BARBARA HOFF
Monacle: NEARSIGHTS
Pink shirt and tuxedo: MARC JACOBS
Gold collar and tie: HELEN YARMAK
Shirt, coat and pants: THOM BROWNE for  MONCLER GAMME BLEU
Leather jabot: JACOB HOOKER
Boots: WOLVERINE
Coat and pants: TOMMY HILFIGER
Shirt: ROBERT GRAHAM
Shoes: MAURON courtesy of BLOOMINGDALES
Hat: ROD KEENAN
Gloves: LA CRASIA
Vintage feathers, walking stick, stockings and boutonniere: courtesy of CYNTHIA ALTORISO
Pink camera by: LEICA
Coat and pants: JOHN VARVATOS
Shirt courtesy of: KEVIN CREIGHTON
Braces: PAUL STUART
Boots: JOHN VARVATOS
Moonstone ring: courtesy of CYNTHIA ALTORISO
Jacket, pants and coat: ETRO
Hat: ROD KEENAN
Gauntlets: LA CRASIA
Silk neck scarf: PAUL STUART