Talking to more fashionable people about fashion: Jalil Johnson edition

These interviews just keep getting better.

Apr 12, 2024

I was introduced to street-style icon and fashion writer

earlier this year. As soon as I opened up his Substack,

, I was immediately hooked. I devoured his posts and couldn’t stop scrolling through his photos. The way he puts an outfit together, playful yet sophisticated at the same time, was so appealing to me. I think what drew me in was his distinct style, he has a unique point of view, and there’s just something really joyful about how he dresses. Then I had a call with him and liked him even more, it’s hard not to. Enjoy this glimpse into his wonderful world.

I'm obsessed with your style and how you put an outfit together. Where do you start when getting dressed? Is there one piece that you anchor an outfit around?

When it comes to putting together an ensemble, I prefer to categorize my pieces into two roles: leading and supporting. I am an emotional dresser, so I seldom plan outfits. Instead, I often wake up with a vague inspiration from dreams or from a movie I watched the previous night. From this inspiration, I identify the key piece or pieces that will take center stage (usually one, occasionally two). Then, I carefully select supporting pieces that complement the lead without overshadowing it. However, this doesn't diminish the importance of the supporting pieces; as they say in show business, there are no small parts, only small actors.

What advice would you give someone who is struggling to find their style and wants to embrace fashion in a bigger way?

I find movies to be an excellent starting point; they always provide great inspiration for me. Additionally, I suggest identifying a few style icons whose fashion resonates with you and analyzing what specific aspects captivate you. Are they boldly experimental or elegantly classic? Do they embrace a vibrant spectrum of colors or prefer a more subdued, monochromatic palette?

Furthermore, I believe it's crucial to embrace discomfort as an integral part of the journey towards discovering your personal style. It's a process filled with experimentation and occasional missteps. There will be days when you feel on top of the world and others when you question your fashion choices with a bemused, 'What planet do I think I'm on?' Trust me, every moment contributes to your style evolution.

Were you a fragrance person growing up? If so, what was your teenage fragrance of choice?

I've always had a penchant for fragrances; it's practically in my DNA. My mom adored Marc Jacobs Daisy and a Burberry scent that I cannot recall the name of, and those fragrances have become indelibly linked to my youth. During my adolescence, Givenchy Pi was my signature scent.

What's your signature scent now?

My fragrance palette tends to lean towards powdery and muskier notes, with my current favorites being Tom Ford's Café Rose, Frederic Malle's Lipstick Rose, and Maison d’Etto's Karat EG. I owe my introduction to the latter to Patty Voto of One/Of, who often fills her studio with its candle counterpart and graciously shared fragrance samples at a dinner she hosted last year.

When it comes to home fragrances, I'm usually drawn to Trudon’s Abd El Kader Moroccan Mint Tea candle or the romantic allure of Byredo’s Burning Rose.

If I could find the perfect scent for you, what would it smell like?

I would love a scent that captures the essence of a sweaty, lust-filled night out in Paris circa 1978.

Gah so would I! That sounds divine.

Your house is on fire and you can grab one outfit - what is it?

My Yves Saint Laurent velvet jacket from the 70s, a white Sunspel t-shirt, a Christopher John Rogers full ric-rack skirt, a Louis Vuitton Epi leather Speedy bag, Emme Parson gold strappy heels, and a Gigi Burris pillbox hat.

What's the best lesson you learned from your career so far?

Best: Take every piece of advice with a grain of salt.

Which fashion label do you think is creating the most wearable and interesting clothing right now?

The Row, Christopher John Rogers, Lauren Manoogian, Zankov, and J. Crew.

Is there a perfume house/brand that you're paying attention to right now?

I'm always intrigued by Frederic Malle, and I find that their scents command attention with their remarkable presence. I always take their scent quiz on a regular basis in hopes of unlocking new fragrances of theirs. I also recently read the New York Times piece spotlighting Hilde Soliani, which has sparked my curiosity to delve into her brand as well.