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),
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
, 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.
