ON RUNNING AND JEWELLERY With modernist sportswear founders Lexy Copithorne & Jessie Hyman of Pruzan Running


PRUZAN RUNNING WAS FOUNDED IN 2022 BY TWO FEMALE ATHLETES. THEIR FOCUS IS ON BEAUTIFUL SPORTSWEAR THAT DOESN'T LACK IN PERFORMANCE ON AND OFF THE TRACK. PRUZAN OFFERS A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE CRAFTED FROM HIGH QUALITY RECYCLED MATERIALS.

HOW DOES JEWELLERY PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR RUNNING ROUTINE OR RACES?

LC - I don’t wear much jewellery as I am sensitive to distractions on my body while moving. However, when I do, it’s all about keeping my loved ones close! For special races I like to leave on a flat gold necklace that my mom handed down to me.
JH - Same as Lexy on this one. I love keeping a few rings on during races. One from my fiancé that’s a simple band and one from my sister that’s a chain link ring.

DO YOU THINK WEARING SENTIMENTAL JEWELLERY OR EVEN SENTIMENTAL CLOTHING / SHOES AFFECTS YOUR MINDSET AND PERFORMANCE DURING A RACE OR TRAINING SESSION?

 LC - Definitely - I’ve observed that most people are quite specific with what they wear on race day, choosing an outfit that helps them feel both prepared, inspired, and confident. My first marathon kit included our Pruzan fitted base layers that are so smooth and functional that they recede out of mind so I can focus on the race. Paired with an oversized NBA jersey tee of my favourite player - I knew I wouldn’t allow myself to stop moving on the day of the race if I was representing an athlete with a mindset like him.

JH - I think of race day as a celebration of a lot of hard work. The race day outfit, from accessories and watches, to the sports bra, shorts, shoes and socks - it’s all deliberate for that celebration. Each kit I’ve worn in a race hold sentimental value for me mostly because of the race that’s happened wearing them. 

CAN YOU SHARE A STORY ABOUT A PIECE OF JEWELLERY THAT HOLDS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO YOU?

LC - My watch. It’s a watch my dad gave my mom 20+ ago. When I moved to New York after university they passed it along to me. I always feel proud wearing it.

JH - About 6 years ago and before we were engaged, my finance and I booked a hotel’s honeymoon package since it included a reservation at the hotels restaurant. We bought simple bands so that we could play the part when we arrived. We’ve worn them ever since and the ring joins me on most runs.

 

Lioness Coin on Chunky Curb Chain

HOW DOES THE WAY YOU DRESS, ACCESSORISE CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SENSE OF IDENTITY AS AN ATHLETE OR RUNNER?

LC - It’s most important for my clothing to provide unrestricted mobility to express myself freely and purely through movement. I find a mixture of balletic and athletic silhouettes that work for my movement practices, and stick with them.

JH - I love having the ability to move easily at all times and I love proportion. And I love a pair of sneakers - I think I beat my feet up enough already they deserve the cushion.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE SENTENCE?

LC - Personal style is as much about how you wear what you wear – you’ll typically find me in athletic, comfortable, yet sleek outfits. 

JH - Laid back proportions that are easy to move in, plus I love a fun print or accessory.

YOU LOOK LIKE YOU HAVE A LOT OF FUN THROWING TOGETHER COOL RUNNING FITS ON A DAILY BASIS, WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

LC - I perform better if I feel comfortable, confident, and sleek in what I’m wearing. Being intentional with my garment choices helps me do this. I find an outfit and stick with it – but will sometimes experiment with colors within that same standard look.

JH - I love playing around with our designs - It’s pushed my personal understanding of what we need to create in our product. From a personal standpoint, I want to feel like I’m showing up as myself. Celebrating with the way I dress for the run is the most authentic expression of myself and my training which I see as a lifelong pursuit of learning more about myself.

A WORD FROM MIKAELA:

First of all I feel like i'm in good company, its so great to hear from a female founded business born through their passion for running and with a like minded ethos on sustainability and good quality.

I love the way they describe how the functionality and fusion of style plays such an important role in Pruzan's designs and in turn it gives their wearer an important feel good factor when competing and training. 

The use of small accessories such as jewellery or a watch seems to come down to the sentimentality of it and keeping a loved one close while you are competing. Its a way to remind you to have strength to keep going.

Thank you to Lexy & Jessie, Founders of Pruzan Running. And to Morgan for her interview. You can follow them here: Pruzan Running and Morgan Instagram

And see their full range here: PRUZAN RUNNING