At Rouge Helium®, we believe that shoes have the power to transform and uplift. Our passion is creating beautiful, high-quality footwear that makes women feel confident, stylish, and ready to take on the world.
Our Story
Rouge Helium® was founded in 2015 by sisters Anne and Louise Johnson. Growing up, Anne and Louise shared a love of fashion, routinely raiding each other’s closets and dreaming up new outfit combinations. As adults, both sisters pursued careers in the fashion industry, with Anne working as a shoe designer and Louise managing apparel production.
The idea for Rouge Helium® was born when Anne became frustrated trying to find the perfect shoes to complement her designs. Most women’s shoes on the market fell into one of two extremes: either flashy, cheaply-made heels and platforms aimed at clubwear, or sensible and boring flats and sneakers meant for everyday wear. Anne longed for shoes that bridged the gap – beautifully crafted heels, boots, sandals, and mules that blended elegance, artistry, and wearability.
After months of research and planning, Anne and Louise launched Rouge Helium® as a direct-to-consumer online brand. They focused exclusively on Anne’s shoe designs, emphasizing high-end materials like Italian leather, quality construction, and chic yet versatile styling. The name “Rouge Helium” was chosen to evoke feelings of lightness, lift, and feminine confidence.
The debut collection was an immediate success, filling a void in the market for shoes that were sophisticated yet accessible, fashion-forward yet timeless. Within two years Rouge Helium® was being carried by major department stores and featured in fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle. But despite the rapid growth, Anne and Louise remain hands-on, overseeing every design and insisting on exceptional comfort and craftsmanship.
Our Design Philosophy
The Rouge Helium® design philosophy balances beautiful, trend-forward style with wearability and comfort. We aim to create shoes that make women look and feel their best for any occasion, from work to weekends to formal events.
Our in-house team of designers are led by founder Anne Johnson, whose background in fashion design informs the brand’s aesthetic. We follow runway trends closely, but focus on translating them into silhouettes and styles that are flattering and functional for real life.
Timeless femininity is at the core of our design approach. Rather than fleeting fads, we’re inspired by classical styles updated in fresh new ways each season. Expect to see elegant pumps, strappy sandals, block-heel booties and more in a mix of textures like velvet, satin, and rich leathers.
Vibrant colors and prints add modern flair to our classics. We love experimenting with metallics, jewel tones, and even unexpected neutrals like blush or slate blue. Interesting patterns and embellishments like buckles, bows, and gemstones provide pretty finishing touches.
Comfort is non-negotiable. Our shoes are crafted with cushioned insoles and flexible walkable heel heights. We also offer wide calf boots and extended shoe sizes to accommodate more women.
Most importantly, we strive for shoes that give women confidence. We want you to feel beautiful, poised and empowered every time you step into a pair of Rouge Heliums.
Our Manufacturing Process
Rouge Helium® shoes are designed in-house then carefully constructed by hand in our network of small artisanal workshops in Spain and Italy. We only work with partners who share our values around quality craftsmanship and ethical production.
Our manufacturing process brings together age-old cobbler techniques with modern technology for efficiency. Each Rouge Helium® style goes through the following steps from sketch to finished product:
- Design concept: Our team brainstorms ideas based on the latest runway trends, customer feedback, and sales data. Once a design direction is chosen, technical drawings and material specifications are developed.
- Sample creation: A set of design prototypes are made and tested for fit, comfort, and construction quality. We refine the last, heel shape, and straps through multiple rounds of samples.
- Material sourcing: Our designers select premium leathers, suedes, textiles, hardware and other components from vendors around the world. We carefully vet all materials for durability and water resistance.
- Cutting and preparation: Laser cutters transform leather and textile rolls into perfectly precise shoe parts ready for assembly. This maximizes material utilization and minimizes waste.
- Stitching and assembly: Skilled shoemakers stitch together the uppers, insoles, outsoles, and heels by hand. Assembly techniques vary by style – for instance, sandals employ strappy uppers while boots require more structure.
- Lasting and shaping: The upper is pulled over a foot-shaped last to set its final form. While on the last, the shoes are molded for maximum comfort.
- Finishing touches: Edging, polish and any special details like embroidery or rhinestones are applied for that final flair.
- Quality control: Our team inspects every pair during production and again before shipping to catch any defects. We reject anything less than perfect.
This blend of craftsmanship and technology allows us to maintain consistently high quality as we scale. We’re proud to still build Rouge Helium® shoes with care and attention to detail.
Our Commitment to Customers
The customer experience is central to the Rouge Helium® mission. We strive to make shopping with us an enjoyable, personalized process from first click to unboxing your new shoes.
Our website and mobile apps make finding your perfect pair simple through style guides, fit tools, and easy search/filter options. We offer free shipping and returns so you can order worry-free.
Our top-rated customer service team is ready to answer any product or order questions. We price match and stand behind our shoes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Loyal customers are rewarded through our free Rouge Rewards program with points earned on purchases. You can redeem points for discounts on future orders.
We also listen closely to customer feedback to continually improve our collection. Reviews and suggestions directly shape decisions around new styles, color options, and sizing expansions.
Giving Back
Philanthropy is extremely important to us. Despite our rapid growth, Rouge Helium® remains committed to making a positive social impact.
We are proud partners of the GirlForward nonprofit, which provides educational opportunities to vulnerable girls globally. For each order placed, we donate a portion of proceeds to fund scholarships and mentorship programs.
We also support female artisans in developing nations through partnerships with ethical factories and nonprofits. Approximately 15% of our products are handcrafted by women-led collectives and workshops.
Environmental sustainability is another priority. We use recycled and eco-friendly materials in our packaging and products. Our corporate offices run on 100% renewable energy, and we offset carbon emissions from shipping.
As sisters, supporting women through our business comes naturally to us. We will continue striving to empower women – whether customers, artisans or community members – through Rouge Helium’s growth and success.
The Rouge Helium® Difference
In a crowded footwear market, what sets Rouge Helium® apart? In short:
- Trend-leading designs that are also timelessly feminine and crafted for real life
- Comfort and quality at the core of every style, backed by a fit guarantee
- A transparent, ethical supply chain we’re proud of
- Personalized service and loyalty rewards exceeding expectations
- Meaningful social impact initiatives empowering women
For effortlessly chic shoes you can wear from work to weekend, choose Rouge Helium®. Let our shoes lift your look while staying gentle on your feet. We can’t wait to take you to new heights!
