Ford Foundation President Darren Walker Talks Justice, Bed Linens, and Eva Gabor

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Ford Foundation president Darren Walker is a staunch advocate for social justice who happens to know his way around a good knit. "I'm interested in the intersection of justice, art, and culture," Walker says. "I'm very lucky. I have a job where my avocation and my vocation come together. What I'm most passionate about is what I get up to do every day. And that's just so exciting." We asked the author of From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth to share the things that keep him inspired, engaged and grounded.

ELLE DECOR: What's your media diet?
Darren Walker: It ranges from The Economist, the Financial Times, Foreign Affairs. I think it’s important to stay engaged with global events. Then, of course, Monocle and Porter—and I'm a BBC fanatic. I listen to the BBC constantly, because it gives me perspective on what is newsworthy.

ED: What is the last book you read?
DW: Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. She won a Pulitzer. She's amazing. This book is revolutionary. I'm excited that Ava DuVernay has adapted it for the big screen.

ED: Are you particular about the way you dress your bed?
DW: I love luxury linens. I don’t know if you know Leontine linens, in New Orleans? The linens are made in a small town in western Kentucky. They are a major employer in this small town, so it contributes significantly to the economic resilience of the community. That's the sort of circularity that I'm interested in.

Carnal Flower Perfume

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

ED: Do you have a uniform?
DW: Ralph Lauren Purple suits and cashmere everything. When I was a little boy my grandmother was a maid. I would sometimes get the hand-me-downs from the house where she worked. I still remember what it felt like to wear my first wool sweater, because I'd only had acrylic sweaters. It sort of affirmed me in a way. And so my wardrobe on the weekends, my uniform—because it is basically a uniform—is a cashmere v-neck, Ralph Lauren shirts, and khakis. And usually some John Lobb shoes. And at the office I love Purple Label. Who doesn't?

ED: Do you have a signature scent?
DW: Dominique Ropion's Carnal Flower. This stuff is ridiculously expensive, but it's great. I discovered it in France; now I order it by the batch at Bergdorfs.

ED: What's the biggest indulgence you keep in your kitchen?
DW: In my fridge there's nothing but champagne and wine. And Diet Pepsi.

ED: What about when you're hosting?
DW: Artware Editions plates are just stunningly beautiful and a great way to raise money for the homeless. And you can really eat off them. It's very cool.

ED: Is there an album or artist you always return to?
DW: George Michael's Listen Without Prejudice. As a queer man dealing with all of the things he dealt with, he was and remains one of my heroes.

ED: Do you have a favorite TV show?
DW: I don't watch as much now, but my favorite TV show growing up was Green Acres. It's about this lawyer and his socialite wife. He decides to move to Hootersville to be a farmer. Eva Gabor would literally be in a Chanel suit, feeding the chickens. In the opening segment, there's a moment when she's standing on the terrace of her Park Avenue apartment and she says "Darling, I love you, but give me Park Avenue." As a kid I would be screaming at the TV, "Don't do it! Don't do it! Stay on Park Avenue!" And now I live on Park Avenue. I traded places with her!

Growing up, Darren Walker was a TK.

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