HELMS® PARIS – Élégance Street sans prétention

HELMS® PARIS was founded in 2021 by Japanese designer Koji Kaise, based in Paris. After the experience as a ready-to-wear designer for Balmain, Givenchy, and Fusalp, Koji redefines the concept of French sneakers, offering a timeless style that harmonizes dress sneakers and casual sneakers.

At the core of HELMS® is the philosophy of Élégance Street sans prétention, which represents a style that combines chic and sophisticated design with effortless, casual style. HELMS PARIS aims to create items that possess luxurious quality while allowing the free-spirited energy of street culture to be felt.

The name “HELMS” comes from the Old Frankish language, where it means “armored helmet” and is also the origin of the English word “helmet.” It spread across Northern Europe and later influenced English nautical terms, where it came to mean “to steer.” The designer chose this name inspired by his passion for vintage items, particularly those related to biking, military, aviation, and other helmet-related cultures.

The identity of HELMS PARIS sneakers lies in the 3D two-stripe design, which creates subtle contrast and enhances your style. The design process began with the desire to create sneakers that, like the iconic French navy "marinière" t-shirt, would be timeless and loved for years. After much experimentation, the first HELMS sneaker design was born, incorporating elements from the U.S. Air Force’s "Thunderbirds" and classic French aircraft.

HELMS prioritizes comfort while redefining the history of shoemaking in its design process. Its outsoles and insoles, made from natural rubber derived from the Hevea tree, provide a unique level of comfort, and the brand carefully selects manufacturing methods that maximize their benefits. Using premium materials, each pair is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in Portugal.

HELMS believes that fashion brings happiness to people and is committed to creating products that continue to inspire joy in its customers' lives.