September 18, 2026

Design Detail

Produced by
Susan Cannon
@susancannon1

Photos
Samantha Levi
@samstownusa

Shop
Dear Society

114 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO

@shopdearsociety
dearsocietyshop.com

What is your philosophy behind fashion and design, and how do the two relate within your shop’s space?

My philosophy on fashion and design is similar in that both need to evoke a feeling. At its core, fashion should make you feel empowered and confident while touching a chord with your emotions. It should be an outward expression of your inner world. Likewise, when you walk into a space, it should tell a story and make your senses come alive.

I’ve always wanted that feeling to be present the moment someone steps into Dear Society. From the scent of a burning candle and the sound of jazzy house music to the visual stimulation balanced by a sense of calm in our minimal, gallery-like setting with its natural elements, every detail is intentional. There’s a real cultural hunger right now for intentionality—for things, spaces, and experiences that feel considered rather than mass-produced or disposable. Dear Society is my response to that—a space I’ve thoughtfully designed so people can engage with fashion in a way that feels calm and empowering, not overwhelming.

I’d love to know a few of your biggest inspirations—they can be anything, anyone, anywhere.

On a daily basis, it’s Pinterest. I’ve curated it so intentionally over time that my feed has become a perfect inspo board. It’s an endless sea of beautiful aesthetics and ideas. I am forever inspired by the gorgeous gardens of Margarida Maia in Portugal. I’m also very inspired by Le Cime, the visual journal of the creative consulting firm Le Cime Studio.

On Slesha, a dress by Loucia, and sunglasses by Freyrs.

On Slesha, a top by Rue Sophie, and a skirt by Marle. Model represented by Voices and Models.

On Slesha, a vintage top and scarf around waist, pants by Geels, a handbag by St. Agni, and a necklace by By Orly.

On Slesha, a hat by Casa Clara, cardigan wrapped around shoulders by Deiji Studios, and a vintage trench and pants.

When and where did you open your first shop or first retail situation? If it has evolved, or is still evolving, please explain how.

I opened the first Dear Society in Midtown, off Broadway in the Ambassador Building, in 2016. Since then, my taste, the curation, and the interiors have evolved immensely. I was 27 when we opened and far less exposed to the world of design than I am now. The more I consume, experience, and travel, the more Dear Society continues to evolve—and will continue to evolve—as I do.

Please tell me about the shop design, process, and who worked on it with you.

The space was previously an art gallery, so it had incredible bones to work with—tall white walls, great lighting, and skylights that fill the space with beautiful natural light throughout the day. I knew instantly that I wanted a live tree beneath one of the skylights, inspired by a visit to Khaite in New York City.

There was also a built-in catering bar, and the moment I saw it, I knew I wanted it to become a matcha bar—something that would help transform us into an experiential retail space. From there, I listened to the space and designed and merchandised it in a way that felt cohesive with its natural flow.

Lastly, jump forward 25 years in your imagination and describe the most dreamy place/lifestyle you see yourself living, and what you’ll be wearing, eating, drinking, and doing.

I dream of living in a home nestled near the coast on some land but not too far from a bustling city. Surrounded by my family and friends, making meals together from fresh vegetables and herbs from my garden, and drinking incredibly refreshing mocktails. Where days are spent going on long walks through wildflower valleys and coastal edges, training into the city to visit my shop, to get inspired, or to hunt for great vintage finds. I imagine I have a closet of vintage The Row, Lemaire, and Phoebe Philo, but in my everyday dress, I wear my favorite linen ease pants or my favorite worn-in jeans with a cotton button-up, leather sandals, adorned with meaningful jewelry I’ve collected through my travels over the years.

Feel the connection between fashion and interiors with this dining room by LSID: A neutral palette and natural materials create a chic environment that sets the stage for considered details.