From China’s Cultural Revolution to Stokey High St: The remarkable story of Rouge

Lei Yang grew up in poverty during China’s Cultural Revolution.

Her parents, both doctors, had lost everything – her father having been made to work in the mines.  Aged just 21 she married, moved to the UK, studied fashion and began to sell Chinese antiques at the market.

Now, as her Stoke Newington shop Rouge celebrates its 20^th anniversary, remembering the anguish of her childhood and to honour her parents, she’s chosen to mark the occasion with a fundraiser for Hanoon, a charity supporting medical workers in Palestine.

The Chinese Cultural Revolution began in 1966 and lasted until Chairman Mao’s death ten years later.   Tens of millions were persecuted, including intellectuals and scientists, schools and universities were closed, and an estimated two million people were killed.

Lei said: “I know that when your country is going through such an upheaval, as we did in China and as they are in Gaza, the effects will last a long time.  In Gaza they have lost everything. It’s about humanity.  I haven’t been able to go to the marches because I’ve been running the shop but holding a fundraiser for our 20^th anniversary is a way I can help.”

Rouge’s 20^th Birthday celebration takes place in the store on Stoke Newington High Street on November 8^th (6pm-9pm). Local businesses have donated raffle prizes to help raise funds.

Lei and her brother Wei

Lei’s decision to open Rouge in 2005 followed a visit to her brother Wei and his shop ‘Rouge’ in Brussels.  His store inspired her - she invested her savings and opened Rouge on the High Street.

She said: “Wei showed me the ropes, and I started sourcing antique furniture from the Far East.  My brother didn’t have a visa so he couldn’t come but he sent his assistant to help me set up the shop. Slowly, over time, I developed my own style and started to learn what customers here in Stoke Newington wanted.  The shop was an instant success – we offered something very unique, and people would travel from all over to visit us.”

Today, Rouge stocks centuries old wooden furniture and homewares from northern China, Tibet, Japan and Mongolia.  Their stock includes ceramics from Jingdezhen, kimonos and vintage furniture.

The items typically date from the early 19^th century, right up to the 1970s and range in style from simple-lined pieces to more ornate.  Their team includes Kumiko, who has been working there for the past 12 years and Becca, who helps with marketing and social media. Lei and her partner Leon’s children (aged 12 and 9) have spent much of their young lives in Rouge.

With help from Leon, she recently renovated the store, including its basement. They offer Chinese and Japanese cultural workshops, teaching the art of visible mending, calligraphy and more. 

For tickets to the 20th anniversary party, visit www.rouge-shop.com/products/20-year-anniversary-party