MKNLY Portraits—Walker McKinley
The Proust Questionnaire started as a Late-Victorian parlour game and became popularized by the answers of French essayist and novelist Marcel Proust. He believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature.
Inspired by the concise yet thought-provoking questions, we devised our own set of questions into a series we call MKNLY Portraits. First up, Walker McKinley.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Coffee, write in my journal, social media
As a child, what did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
I haven’t decided yet
What do you most admire about yourself?
My energy and curiosity
What are your keys to productivity?
Coffee and death anxiety
If Myspace were still a thing, what would your profile song be?
Creep by Radiohead
Where do you find inspiration?
Music, movies, magazines, social media
What is your favourite room in your house?
My pantry
What are a few favourite things that you cherish in your home?
Art, art, art
What is your current obsession?
I have so many—cigars, Porsches, cookbooks, garden documentaries
How do you typically spend a day off?
What’s a day off?
What is your favourite city, and why?
Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, New York because Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, New York
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My daughter’s sense of humour
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
People watching in a great hotel lounge or Paris cafe
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Andre Balaz—always wanted to own a hotel
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Napoleon Bonaparte; Came from nothing, self-invented, short stature, ran the world.
One place in the world you’re dying to visit?
The fututre home I’m trying to manifest in LA
What is the most unexplainable thing that has ever happened to you?
Upon meeting me, a holy man told me I had a future in India. I was unexpectedly there in 2 weeks.
Describe your personal style / style philosophy.
Generosity in all things
What is your motto?
I have two: Audentes Fortuna Iuvat (Fortune favours the bold), and A life well lived
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
People watching in a great hotel lounge or Paris cafe
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Andre Balaz – always wanted to own a hotel
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Napoleon Bonaparte; Came from nothing, self-invented, short stature, ran the world
One place in the world you’re dying to visit?
The fututre home I’m trying to manifest in LA
What is the most unexplainable thing that has ever happened to you?
Upon meeting me, a holy man told me I had a future in India. I was unexpectedly there in 2 weeks.
Describe your personal style / style philosophy.
Generosity in all things
What is your motto?
I have two: Audentes Fortuna Iuvat (Fortune favours the bold), and A life well lived
