Unconventional Methods: Unleashing Actors' Characters Through Unique Scents

When Helena Bonham Carter arrived on the set of the 2012 movie Dark Shadows, she smelled like bourbon whiskey and Gauloises cigarettes.

Despite playing a chain-smoking alcoholic psychiatrist in the movie, Bonham Carter did not immerse herself in the character's habits. Instead, she wore a custom fragrance made for her by scent designer Azzi Glasser.

Two individuals, who first met at their children’s school gates in London, have worked together on numerous projects throughout the years. Their collaboration began with the 2009 period drama “Enid,” where Glasser created a perfume that reminded Bonham Carter of the 1950s with its scent of “stale white face powder.” Bonham Carter portrayed author Enid Blyton in the film.

Glasser's creativity extended to crafting unique fragrances for various characters in popular films. For Bellatrix Lestrange in the “Harry Potter” series, Glasser created a dark blend of foxglove, poison hemlock, and belladonna. A chocolate chilli-scented fragrance was made for the Red Queen in “Alice in Wonderland,” while a mixture of “old, cracked soap with a ‘pissy’ note” was developed for Miss Havisham in the 2012 adaptation of “Great Expectations.”

To play King Henry VIII in upcoming movie Firebrand, actor Jude Law told Azzi Glasser he wanted to smell exactly like the king would have, despite knowing it would be repulsive.

Perfume creator Azzi Glasser has made scents for actors, celebrities and royals.

Glasser, known for her exceptional sense of smell in the industry, expressed her excitement for Helena's upcoming rehearsals. She takes pride in enhancing the presence of A-listers with her unique scent combinations.

Glasser was born in the UK and spent her early years in India before returning to London. She worked at CPL Aromas for 20 years before launching Agent Provocateur fragrance in 2000. In 2016, she founded her own brand, The Perfumer’s Story by Azzi. A bespoke fragrance from Glasser can cost up to £15,000 ($19,000), but she also offers a more affordable collection for people to explore their own fragrance DNA.

Her celebrity clients include Alicia Vikander, Noomi Rapace, Damian Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry, Kylie Minogue, and Adam Lambert. Bonham Carter introduced Glasser to Johnny Depp on the set of “Dark Shadows.” Depp was intrigued and asked Glasser to create a custom scent for his character, vampire Barnabas. They continued to collaborate, with Depp praising Glasser for her ability to capture the essence of a character in scent.

The perfumer believes that fragrance is essential in understanding a character's essence. They discuss the role, styling, director, other actors, filming location, and atmosphere before creating a custom scent. This process can take from a week to three months, ensuring perfection every time.

Sometimes, the outcome may not be as expected, as seen in Jude Law's portrayal of an aging, ulcerated Henry VIII in the upcoming film Firebrand.

Actor Jude Law told fragrance designer Azzi Glasser that for his role as King Henry VIII in the movie Firebrand, he wanted to capture the exact scent that the king would have had, even though he knew it might not be pleasant.

Cindy Crawford's husband Rande Gerber gifted the model a bespoke fragrance for her birthday.

I collaborated with Jude on “The Young Pope.” When he arrived at the studio, he said to me, “I want to smell just like Henry.” I had to remind him that Henry’s scent might not be very pleasant.

The outcome was a strong mixture of odors that reminded people of gout, bad breath, and feces.

"It was fascinating because the other actors were influenced by his aura, this strong and controlling smell, just like in real life. Meanwhile, Henry could easily hide his own scent by sniffing a handkerchief scented with rose."

Glasser's wish list of collaborators includes Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Leonardo DiCaprio. She has already made progress with DiCaprio, sharing that she recently met him at a London restaurant where he even gave her his number.

Glasser will also be collaborating with Austin Butler after he visited her studio in north London with his model girlfriend Kaia Gerber.

Actor Austin Butler has commissioned a scent specifically for a forthcoming role. He is seen here with his model girlfriend Kaia Gerber.

Glasser, from The Perfumer's Story by Azzi, is known for creating custom fragrances for prestigious locations like London's Chiltern Firehouse and for high-profile clients like Cindy Crawford and David Linley. Whether it's for a fancy venue or a wealthy individual, Glasser treats each scent creation as a unique experience.

Cindy Crawford's husband Rande Gerber gifted the model a bespoke fragrance for her birthday.

Azzi from The Perfumer's Story shared that David described the fragrance session as a fun therapy session. She chuckled, mentioning that it involves learning about the person, history, character, style, and more. Glasser expressed that fragrance is truly the love of her life.

Hollywood's top celebrities are the ones who really enjoy the unique scent the most.

Fragrance has the power to change and transport you. It can unlock emotions by stimulating the olfactory system in the brain, creating a whole new experience. This can make you feel more self-assured, strong, attractive, and bold, influencing how people perceive you. In essence, a scent can tell a whole story.

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the intriguing world of bespoke fragrances and their role in enhancing actors' performances. Azzi Glasser, an exceptional scent designer, collaborates with A-list celebrities to create custom fragrances that not only evoke the essence of their characters but also contribute to their on-screen presence. Glasser's approach, which involves delving into the character's history, styling, and environment, ensures that each scent is meticulously tailored to the actor's needs. Her ability to capture the olfactory signature of a character, as demonstrated in her work for Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp, is a testament to her artistry.

Moreover, the article highlights the transformative power of fragrance. By stimulating the olfactory system in the brain, scents can evoke emotions, boost confidence, and influence how others perceive us. In the realm of cinema, fragrances can enhance the audience's immersion and create a deeper connection with the characters. As Glasser notes, "Fragrance is truly the love of my life." It has the ability to unlock memories, set the tone of a scene, and create an unforgettable sensory experience that complements the visual and auditory elements of a film.