Seatmates: Jalil Johnson
On his favorite hotel that feels like an IRL Pinterest board, dressing for comfort at the airport, and which travel product he'd love to bring to life
This interview is part of Seatmates, a Window Seat series where tastemakers, travelers, and creatives share how they move through the world—what they pack, where they stay, and the travel rituals that shape their lives.
If you’ve ever wished your travel routine felt a little more stylish (or your cultural references ran a little deeper), Jalil Johnson is someone you need to know. As the creator of Consider Yourself Cultured, Jalil curates a singular mix of fashion, art, and design, all filtered through his refined (and refreshingly opinionated) lens. Whether he’s spotlighting under-the-radar destinations, debuting a jewelry collection with hidden meaning, or simply sharing what’s in his carry-on, he brings a level of thoughtfulness that makes you want to take notes.
Read on to learn which (extremely chic) piece of luggage he just added to his rotation, which stateside locale he’s dying to visit, and what’s in his travel essentials pouch.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Jalil Johnson, and I am the creator of Consider Yourself Cultured, a newsletter devoted to fashion and cultural insights. In addition to writing, I work as a personal stylist and consultant. I moved to New York about seven years ago to attend school, and after graduating, I joined Saks, where I spent three years working alongside SVP, Fashion Director Roopal Patel. Since then, I have focused on expanding my newsletter and collaborating with brands on various projects.
You recently designed a gorgeous acrostic jewelry collection of pieces with hidden meanings. If you were to create a travel-inspired product, what would you create?
During a recent trip to Paris, I was embarrassed to present my passport in such a worn-out holder. It was a thoughtful gift from my grandmother when I renewed my passport, and at the time, I didn’t give it much thought. I honestly didn’t see the value in spending money on something like a passport holder. However, after my Paris experience, my perspective has completely changed. Now, I’d love to collaborate with a brand to create passport holders that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The main issue with mine was the cheap leather and its bulky design. I envision something sleek yet durable, with high-quality leather, possibly incorporating vintage travel imagery or postcard-inspired designs to give it a timeless, nostalgic feel.
Ed. note: this is my favorite piece from Jalil’s collection. I’ve never seen anything like it before!
As someone who lives in upstate New York and visits the city frequently, what are some of your favorite local spots to recommend to out-of-towners?
I used to live near South Prospect Park, but now I reside in a small upstate town called Tannersville. I split my time between upstate and the city, though I’m planning to move back to the city soon!
Back in Brooklyn, my go-to spot was a cozy Italian restaurant called Baciccia in Park Slope—always reliable. While I’m not a Midtown local, I’ll always recommend Michael’s for a great lunch. For upstate suggestions, I’d recommend stopping by Jamestown for shopping and enjoying a delicious meal at Feast and Floret, both located in Hudson. If you’re in Tannersville, Shandaken Bake has amazing biscuits, and Deer Mountain Inn is perfect for a hearty dinner.
What’s been your most memorable hotel stay?
Without a doubt, Palm Heights in the Cayman Islands is an absolute gem—the property is so exquisitely curated that it feels like stepping into a living, breathing Pinterest board. I visited for a weekend to celebrate Christopher John Rogers' launch at the hotel boutique, Dolores, and ever since, I’ve been itching to return!
Is there a destination or property at the top of your wishlist?
I’ve been dying to visit Martha’s Vineyard. Anyone familiar with my newsletter or interviews about my personal style knows I’m a big Jacqueline Onassis fan, so it feels almost essential that I go. I’ve heard amazing things about Harbor View, and I’d love to experience the island in such a beautiful setting.
What are your must-haves when it comes to luggage and items you travel with?
My go-to carry-on at the moment is from Away, specifically from their collaboration with Willie Norris, and I've been really enjoying the large soft-sided version as well. For my personal item, I typically use a tote bag, though I recently acquired a Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Keepall—something that’s been on my wishlist for years—and I can't wait to take it on my next trip! As for what’s inside, I tend to pack two books (though I usually only make it through one) along with my laptop and a notebook. I also keep a small travel pouch with essentials like gum, lip balm (my favorite is from Jack Black), hand cream (currently using one from Flamingo Estate), and all my phone chargers—since I have two phones.
What is your go-to airport outfit?
I'm all about comfort and efficiency when I travel, starting from the ground up! I always wear slip-on or loafer-style shoes, as they save so much time when going through security (and yes, I always wear socks). My go-to shoes are either my Martiniano Glove flats, which I practically live in and can’t stop raving about, or my Venetian loafers from The Row.
When it comes to pants, I opt for something comfortable yet stylish—what I like to think of as elevated pajama bottoms. On my recent flight to Paris, I wore a pair of Attersee pants, which I found to be the perfect alternative to sweatpants on public transportation. That said, I recently picked up some sweatpants from COS, and they’re so polished I think they’d be ideal for traveling too.
For the top half, I usually keep it simple with a white t-shirt (I’m partial to Sunspel tees) and a sweater or cardigan. Even in the summer, I bring a sweater because I get cold easily. I don’t have a specific go-to sweater; it’s usually whatever knitwear I’m loving at the moment. Right now, it’s this Everlane cashmere sweater I’ve had for years and still adore!
Do you have any rules or rituals when it comes to air travel?
I'm often a bit anxious about missing flights, so I make it a point to arrive at the airport a few hours before boarding. Aside from that, I don’t have many air travel rituals, except for always buying a bottle of water before my flight. I used to carry a reusable water bottle, but after one was confiscated by a security guard at a stadium, I just haven’t gotten around to replacing it. My boyfriend always teases me because I end up lugging around large bottles of Saratoga or Smart Water instead.
Last question: aisle or window seat?
Aisle, I hate having to climb over people to get to the restroom.
To hear more from Jalil, subscribe to Consider Yourself Cultured and follow him on Instagram. Interested in being featured in Seatmates or know someone who should be? Drop me a line here.
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Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
Love this, but oh my god the price per night of palm heights 😳🥵😱😰
Love this and love Jalil! he has ineffable natural style