What Makes Ruel Alive?

On Exeter's streets, people with a keen eye for expression show how clothing can tell powerful stories. In this feature, we speak with Ruel February about his love of fashion and what truly brings vitality to his life.

For Ruel, feeling alive is centred around the boundless creativity of styling:

"Honestly fashion really does, genuinely, styling... Like I see myself as like a blank canvas. Anything I put on myself, like a new colour, a new shape, that gives me life I would say, a bit of creativity."

Reflecting on the nature of fashion, Ruel highlights how it transcends background and expectations:

"The way you can sort of be literally anything. Doesn't matter where you come from or what you've you've been through... anything you're wearing, you can literally turn into whoever you want."

Opening up about personal growth, Ruel shares how cultivating patience and being present changed his approach:

"I think I've struggled with patience for myself & for other people... Taking time is a really good thing. Definitely gives you a chance to, like, take in everything around you & like, be present & that's what I like, that makes me feel alive."

Closing our conversation, Ruel shares a liberating message for the world:

"Clothing doesn't have a gender. Wear whatever you want."