Curiosity and energy. There are no better cornerstones to evolve a human being. Ruddy Trobrillant’s personal journey is based on these two concepts, and on the desire to fill gaps between different universes. Sports, fashion, community, art… In the everyday life of this multidimensional Parisian creative the barriers between these realms vanish, and bridges appear: aesthetic and sensory links that have allowed him to find a place in the world, and to develop a brilliant career rooted in the running culture.

“I started running at the end of 2015, when I was working as a model, and I immediately found new feelings and emotions. So I pushed on. For a year I accompanied my friend to work by train, getting back home alone and running 10 kilometers. Every week I saw improvements in my times and pace. Then, I decided to join a crew and was truly inspired by the impact of this alternative running dimension. It gives you a different vibe, people support you, and you can share both emotions and experiences with other human beings. In 2019, I decided to form my own crew – POWERUP, which became my family. Thanks to POWERUP I understood the importance of disconnecting from the world through running. When we run I talk all the time, I separate the vital breath from the social one, and I feel truly free. I feel what anyone should feel thanks to running, I just chill out. I love running, but I also love other sports, and everything in my life is about energy. That’s why, over time, I’ve expanded POWERUP and made it a sports community, opening it up to basketball, cycling, swim, for example. Running will always be our main focus, but I want to create a positive circle, inspired by different sports.”

Kanye West, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Murakami, Pharrell Williams, Thierry Henry. Ruddy Trobrillant’s references are as multifaceted as his culture. They are the cornerstones of a contemporary personality, who refuses limits or boundaries, taking inspiration from everything and seeking to open the doors to diversity. Performance is the platform. Human connection is the medium. Representation is the example. The revolution theorized and perfected by this Parisian athlete-creative lies in this unique, magical equation.

“I’ve always loved to know so many things, subjects, and topics. Fashion has always been close to me. When I was young I was a kind of sneakerhead, my holy grail is still the Nike Dunk Vortex. Growing up, I got in touch with Comme des Garçons, then I expanded my horizons to the outdoor and workwear world, trying to connect my projects to various brands. Nike, Levi’s, Champion, Oakley, Arc’teryx and especially HOKA are some of the synergies I’ve developed over the years. Curiosity always leads me to study and analyze the specific context and meaning of every project, and I know that this natural habit is appreciated by the brands. Speaking of curiosity, this factor pushed me into trail running too. I was used to running in a metropolis like Paris, and I wanted to experience something different in nature. Today I take Parisians friends to races like the UMTB. On the one hand it’s fun, because when I see them running in the mountains I’m so proud…. On the other, I’m aware that my relationship with trail running also has a crucial social role. When I first started competing, I was the only black athlete during almost all my races. Trail running made me feel lonely, I even suffered racial slurs, but I decided to represent and encourage diversity. I keep smiling when unpleasant situations happen, because I just feel lucky and want to set the right example. I want trail running to be more and more open to diversity, in all its forms. Hopefully, I can see some evolution”

Ruddy Trobrillant’s forms have clear origins, but a distant and still unknown goal. Between social networks, aesthetic inspirations and human relationships, the future of this modern storyteller will continue to celebrate multidimensionality in sports and beyond, trying to shape a new space, where everything is akin and complementary.

“Instagram and socials allow me to shape inspiring bonds, to develop my taste and passions, like the photographic one. Since childhood I’ve been drawn to photography; my iPhone gallery or Snapchat are tangible evidence of this artistic obsession. This multidimensionality is bringing me in touch with people I dreamed of as a child. Now I can help them develop their brands. At the same time, I can develop my own vision too. I want to continue on this path. My goal is to be free. Today I’m free because people believe in my expertise and knowledge. I hope they continue to do so.”