Meet: Pruzan

Alexis Copithorne and Jessie Hyman are the talented, best friend duo behind Pruzan — modernist sportswear for long-distance training without compromising on high style. In an ever-growing market, the two have managed to sculpt a brand that stands out not only in terms of carefully considered design, form-flattering fits and clothing that stands the test of time but one that puts the customer at its core. Pruzan is as much about the product as it is about community, and it shows through their run clubs and Team Pruzan, which has been paramount in receiving crucial feedback directly from real runners who wear the brand day in and day out.

We talk to the founders about the go-to pieces they grab in the collection, working across two time zones from London to L.A. and their passion for championing women in sport.

Hi Jessie and Lexy – straight to the point. What is Pruzan?

Both: Pruzan is a modernist sportswear brand that bridges the gap between high performance and thoughtful design. We create running gear that blends functionality, style, and versatility for women who regularly train, race, and recover. It’s a brand that allows runners to express themselves with confidence.

What are the origins of the name – Pruzan?

Both: It’s from Jessie’s family – specifically Katherine Pruzan, a strong, pioneering matriarch. The name carries a legacy of boldness and individuality, values we aspire to reflect in the brand.

A lovely tribute! When (and how) did you both meet? And realised you both shared a love of running. Or did it develop through knowing each other? 

Lexy: Jessie and I were roommates at college in St. Louis, MO, bonding in part over our shared love of sports – especially basketball – and sportswear, including a single pair of men’s swim trunks we both wore to shreds. During college, Jessie focused on Track & Field while I was immersed in Dance, and we both continued pursuing athletics in NYC after graduation. It wasn’t until Jessie fully committed to marathons and we began building Pruzan that I trained for my first marathon. Having the perspectives of two dedicated athletes – Jessie with a lifelong commitment to running and me discovering its transformative impact later – has been invaluable. It allows us to more authentically meet a range of runners wherever they are on their athletic journey.

What made you go from being keen runners to thinking, let’s start our sportswear brand?

Both: As runners, we were frustrated with the lack of gear that catered to serious running while feeling refined and timeless. We saw an opportunity to create apparel that celebrated the runner's body, honoured performance, and felt truly empowering. Pruzan has a feminine edge – one that was missing in other niche-running brands. It’s what our community has connected most with.

Credit: Pruzan

Tell us a little bit about your careers pre-Pruzan. Have your learnings shaped and informed how you run your business?

Jessie: My background is in research and insights – particularly user research. I think it comes through a lot in getting to know our community and understand their wants and needs. 

Lexy: Before founding Pruzan with Jessie, I worked in creative and marketing strategy for fashion and luxury real estate brands in NYC. I continue collaborating with brands that bridge luxury, art, and culture through my agency. These experiences and my background as a dancer have helped shape Pruzan – crafting pieces that combine thoughtful design and showcase the artistry of movement.

What did you want to see before Pruzan that made you think there was a space for you to fill?

Jessie: Fit is a huge part of it – I think our Curved Marathon Shorts really exemplifies this. They’ve been designed with a woman’s body in mind. They have a wide waistband that supports and stays put, with pockets for race and run essentials. They’re made from a super soft fabric long enough to cover your bum on any run. Women crave thoughtful design features to enhance performance and feel confident while wearing.

We love the Curved Marathon Shorts. We fully agree – the fit is spot on! What items in the collection do you grab the most?

Jessie: Curved Marathon Shorts are my dream, so I need to reiterate that. Since it’s winter right now, I’m currently wearing my Ribbed Leggings, and I love putting on our Fitted Long Sleeves for training runs in cold weather. 

Lexy: The Fitted Tank Top, Classic Sports Bra, and Fitted 6” Shorts in Onyx. Combined, they’re the perfect body-hugging set that provides a sleek look with elegant coverage. 

We love the intentionality and quality of your products, not only in terms of cut and fit, as you’ve already mentioned, but also the material itself. Is that something you think about? For them to stand the test of time?

Both: Absolutely. We want every piece to withstand the physical intensity and changing fashion. We focus on durable materials to make pieces you’ll want to own forever.

Our Pruzan pieces are firm wardrobe staples now. How are the clothes made specifically for runners? 

Jessie: There are a lot of details we thought about – case in point the Hourglass Bra. We built the bra with a high neckline on purpose because having enough coverage can also make you feel more secure, safe and comfortable. And when you’re on a long run, sometimes up to 15K away from home, it’s important to feel that way. I think the product design story demonstrates our ideology.

For sure! We also love that the clothing is unisex with a simple colour palette. Some designs lean towards masculine and feminine fits. How important was it for you to offer that flexibility? 

Lexy: The range was partly born out of our frustration with the rigid men's and women's categories in online shopping. We wanted to create a collection that embraces a variety of silhouettes and modes of expression without feeling limited. Dressing is deeply individual, and our goal was to design a versatile, balanced wardrobe with both relaxed and fitted silhouettes, allowing everyone to find pieces and sets that feel true to their own style.

It certainly comes through. You don’t jump on trends and avoid the industry’s traditional cycles of weeks and seasons. How important is staying in your lane, not getting waylaid, remaining authentic and designing what is right for the brand and your customer?

Both: We design around the rhythms of the annual training, racing, and recovery calendar, slowly building out a wardrobe that truly meets the needs of those immersed in this lifestyle. Our collection is crafted to remain essential across countless years and marathon cycles by emphasising refined, purposeful solutions for the body in motion.

Your Instagram inspires us a lot, and we know you label the brand as ‘modernist’ sportswear. Where does your love of design come from?

Lexy: I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity, functionality, and clarity in movements like Bauhaus, where form follows function but remains expressive and beautiful. Architecture and furniture design, particularly, have influenced my approach to sportswear – how materials interact with the body, how structure can support movement, and how something functional can also feel elevated. We both wanted Pruzan to reflect that ethos, creating pieces that are not just practical for training and racing but also timeless and refined.

On that note – who are some key designers you love?

Jessie: I love Issey Miyake. Especially the versatility, durability and ingenious of the Pleats Please line. I love how the textile is practical yet elevated and used across almost unlimited styles and colours. Issey could dream up any environment, and I’d love to explore.

Do these influence your design process for Pruzan?

Lexy: Definitely. Every piece from our running wardrobe is a study in movement, like architecture for the body. It’s about creating designs that work with you, not against you while keeping a sense of refinement.

You span across London and L.A. – talk us through splitting your time between the two. By having a studio in the UK with roots in the USA, Pruzan feels global. How do you remain grounded (and functioning) between two time zones? 

Jessie: I am lucky that Lexy is a morning person, so our calls fit nicely into our daily routines. Being in London has allowed us to focus on the running scene here as a place to launch community. However, as Americans, building the brand in the USA has always been a strong interest and a natural fit. We try to connect with individuals who support the brand regardless of location, which has connected us to many Americans and some French, Belgian, and Korean runners – to name a few.

It’s wonderful to see Pruzan connect with people all over the world. Do you have to adapt your training plan depending on the city you’re in? Or do you find running a nice constant regardless of where you are? 

Jessie: I love running as a constant and consistent part of my days. As daily routines have changed now that my office can be from home or wherever I am – running is a routine that allows me to kick start my day. Plus, it’s some of my favourite times to catch up with friends, let my brain relax or see a new city. I have occasionally joined local run clubs while travelling, and it’s something I hope to do more of in the future. 

Lexy: Absolutely. It can be challenging to adapt when I have such a consistent routine in L.A. but running on the road is a great way to explore and clear my head. When travelling, I focus on maintaining my strength training and mobility routines – something I can easily do in a small hotel room. I try to be more relaxed about the rest, knowing I can return to my regular regimens once I’m back home.

And why do you think Pruzan is the success that it is?

Lexy: Pruzan’s success stems from its ability to address the real needs of marathon runners with thoughtfully designed, solutions-oriented garments. We’ve developed key pieces that solve real challenges. We’re committed to engaging deeply with our growing community. We listen, learn, and refine based on their experiences, ensuring our collection will continue to resonate. By combining functionality with creativity and celebrating the artistry of running through our brand, we aim to inspire and support our runners meaningfully.

Do you think you could have gone on this journey alone? Or does having each other help drive the business forward?

Jessie: No chance. Pruzan has a super unique brand identity. It’s this fun collaboration mash-up of both Lexy and me as individuals and also of us together. It’s been incredible to create side-by-side. Lexy’s background as a dancer and mover is evident in the brand, and I think my lifelong pursuit of running is also central to our identity. 

Lexy: Agreed.

The Greats long sleeves are a dedication to all 31 female winners of the NYC Marathon. It’s special. As female founders, why is championing women in sports so important to you?

Jessie: This is my favourite graphic concept we’ve made. The idea came from trying to think about what we would want, what wasn’t on the market. We knew we wanted to focus on the women of the NYC marathon. The idea of listing the title winners like a concert t-shirt felt as badass as the women who’ve run the race. I’m so happy to have created this piece. I hope we always do it year after year. 

Finally, how can fellow runners get involved with Pruzan, especially during race season?

Both: If you’re considering racing next year, we would love you to join Team Pruzan. It’s a programme focused on racers. We’ll get your race day photos, support throughout your training, and you’ll hear about all the upcoming launches and exclusive partnerships before anyone else. All the information can be found on our website! 

We’re thrilled to be stocking Pruzan at The Art of Giving. Try out their products in person or online.

A Modular Festive Market

Fri 29 Nov, Sat 30 Nov, Sun 1 Dec 2024

Fri: 3pm - 5pm | Sat, Sun: 10am - 3pm

SERCHIA Gallery, 24 Elmgrove Rd, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6AJ

SERCHIA Gallery and New Journo are delighted to present The Art of Giving, a new approach to seasonal shopping in the form of a Modular Festive Market. Join founders Christine Serchia and Emily Birkett, respectively, to celebrate the season, championing women and timelessly designed products in a low-key setting. Located in Bristol, the gallery will act as a shop floor showcasing a carefully curated selection of twelve highly coveted female-founded brands, a nod to the Twelve Days of Christmas, personally chosen by the curatorial duo. 

Happening on the traditional Black Friday weekend, the pop-up event challenges the perception of consumerism, offering a more tailored, considered outlook on gifting. It’s about the ceremony and rituals you share with others rather than the product itself: interactions, utilitarianism, and sentimentality, with quality and beauty taking front and centre. A small gathering will be held on Fri 29 Nov, in addition to the regular weekend opening hours, as a chance to meander the gallery and chat with the organisers, surrounded by ambient music, mulled wine, baked goods and festive scents. It is free-entry with community at its core.

Stocked

Ribbed Recovery Shrug + Tank Set [£85]

“The Ribbed Shrug and Tank Set is the ultimate combination of style and comfort. Part of our Active Recovery line and made from our new soft lyocell fabric, this set features a ribbed texture and a thick hem around the neckline, offering a sleek halter shape. Designed for lower-impact activities and recovery sessions, it is perfect for 24/7 wear. Experience unparalleled softness and comfort as you rest and rejuvenate.”

Zip Flare Ribbed Leggings [£130]

“A superior running leggings disguised as elegant, tailored pants. These pants offer the freedom to run and effortlessly transition into dressier settings. A beautiful sportswear item made from recycled materials, these versatile leggings have the same key features as our other running bottoms - discreet storage, a secure back phone pocket and smaller front pocket for keys and small accessories, and a high-rise waist for maximum comfort and security. Sculpting on the outside and soft on the inside - they feature a ribbed fabric with a brushed interior. Exterior ribbing and pronounced vertical seam lines elongate the leg and provide an elevated look that stands up in formal settings. Concealed zips at the pant cuffs allow for an adjustable flare to style in multiple ways. Available in Regular and Tall lengths.”

Limited Edition Mesh Singlet [£60]

“Inspired by vintage health vests and 1960 UK competition style. Made from recycled materials. Designed to layer for subtle texture. Sport a loose or relaxed fit with an adjustable 3-snap belt. Featured in Onyx, a cool toned black.”