One of the country’s best clothing stores is in KC, The New York Times says
Kansas City is home to one of the country’s best clothing stores, according to The New York Times.
Dear Society, a shop at 114 Southwest Blvd. in the Crossroads, has landed a spot on The Times’ “50 Best Clothing Stores in America” list.
Dear Society first opened in 2016, but the idea started with Chanel Jezek hosting popups around the city. Today, the spot with an in-house matcha bar boasts of a selection of select women’s brands.
Rue Sophie, Marle, Kara Yoo, Mijeong Park and other brands are featured at the store.
Price points lean on the mid-to-high range.
In a Tuesday interview, Jezek told The Star she got the call from The Times a couple of months prior to the article’s publication.
“To be seen like that feels incredible,” she said. “It’s been a tough year in retail ... And then to find out that we eventually made the list. It’s amazing.”
In response to being featured on the list, Jezek posted a statement on social media.
“When I started Dear Society 10 years ago, I had never worked in a retail or fashion job. I just had a strong desire to create a store and space I felt we didn’t have in Kansas City,” the statement reads in part.
“It’s not about being an expert in your field, it’s about having courage and passion to just start the thing you are dreaming of … I feel so grateful for all the people who have been a part of this journey with me over the last 10 years.”
Jezek initially started the shop after feeling like there wasn’t enough offered in the fashion realm locally. Now, seeing her store ranked along shops across the country feels monumental.
“Kansas City’s getting recognized for so many things,” she said. “I don’t think fashion had been part of that.”
Listed alongside Dear Society in the Times’ list are The Armoury in Manhattan; A’maree’s in Newport Beach, California; and House of Bijan in Beverly Hills.
Jezek thanked her customers for their support over the years.
“In an age of everyone fighting for customers and a space ... It feels so incredible to have a support after 10 years,” she said. “We don’t do this for money or profit. It’s for the community.”
Dear Society is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 2:42 PM.