Yes, every mother’s dream is to have their child grow up to be happy and successful. But a secondary, less talked about maternal wish? Having your child grow up to open a boutique dedicated to your great taste. And Lily Cameron, proprietor of Suze—named after Mom, of course—has done just that.
“My mom has always made everything beautiful; it’s her superpower,” says Cameron, who opened the doors to Kitsilano’s sweetest new lifestyle shop in October. Her mother is the kind of person who hosts every holiday dinner and birthday—a woman who rocks hot-pink lipstick every day of the week. “She makes everything special, and that’s the whole idea of the store: put effort into the little things, because they can make your life special and full of joy.”
Cameron designed and renovated much of the store herself (with the help of a carpenter for the tricky stuff), and took aesthetic inspiration from Southern France and Paris. There’s the dramatic moss-green hutch, and shelving with sleek arches at the top—two design details that make the store feel like it’s got some history. “I want it to be beautifully designed yet comfortable,” she says. “I love things that are old and have character and tell a story.” At the centre of the shop is Cameron’s family’s old dining room table—the same table that hosted all those family dinner parties as Cameron was growing up.
On that table and displayed on those shelves, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of products: linens from a century-old French manufacturer, dreamy candles, fresh florals, hand-picked silverware. “Everything is so intentional and researched. Everything is on purpose,” says Cameron. Looks like making life beautiful and special runs in the family.
Best Bets: What Suze’s Lily Cameron and Our Editors Are Loving Right Now
Cameron’s Pick > Antique Platter from France ($175)
“It’s so amazing that people have been serving meals and sharing love through meals on these dishes for decades,” says Cameron.
Editor’s Pick > The Carafe ($54)
The mark of a thoughtfully planned dinner party? A carafe of water on the table. This humble, hand- finished Portuguese stoneware decanter is the ticket.
Cameron’s Pick > Garnier Thiebaut Tablecloth ($296)
“This company started in France in 1833, and the linens are printed with these insanely gorgeous artworks, painted by French artists. The fabric is next level, and so are the designs,” says Cameron.
Editor’s Pick > Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap ($62)
Yes, the silky avocado and olive oil base is a dream for your skin, but the slightly spicy, herbaceous scent is what has us keen to scrub up.
Cameron’s Pick > Fresh Flowers (from $45)
In addition to homewares, the shop sells bouquets. “I love fresh flowers,” says Cameron. “I can never not have them in my house.”
Cameron’s Pick > Caroline Frances Canyon at Midnight Candle ($96)
This L.A. brand makes its candles from organic essential oil. Canyon at Midnight features notes of blood orange, sweet basil, crackling embers and black cedar. “I’ve never smelled a candle I love so much,” says Cameron.
Editor’s Pick > Joseph Linen Full Apron ($85)
Even if you’re just heating up a frozen pizza, this charming striped linen apron will make you feel like the chicest chef in town.
2525 W Broadway | shoppesuze.com
