The main design element of the first drop by the Lviv community was the skeleton of a flounder, on which, according to legends, the chumaks drew icons and amulets. In a commentary for DTF Magazine chumaky told about the concept of the DROP-01 collection and other community projects
About the concept of the drop
‘It actually started with our name, because without understanding the answer to the question ‘why chumaky?’ we certainly can’t explain ‘why flounder?’’, Nazz Oliynyk, co-founder of the community, says.
‘For us, chumaks symbolize adventure, endurance and the quest for freedom, a kind of free nomadic entrepreneurs. — Nazz says. — This vibe resonates with us, we imagine them as very interesting, charismatic characters. They also traveled for salt, and we run. Sweat, running and salt. It’s a kind of parallel’.
So the first chumaky drop was based on the image of the amulet of the сhumaks — an icon, which, according to legends, was made on dried fish, most often on flounder. With the amulet on a wagon, the сhumaks set off on journeys and then gave it to someone. At the same time, the skeleton refers to ‘the search for deeper meanings and codes that lie at the foundation (skeleton) of chumaky identity’.
According to Nazz, chumaky will continue the theme of chumaks in the next drops, because they believe that ‘there are many more interesting insights in it’.
What items are featured in the first chumaky merch
DROP-01 features a white T-shirt and longsleeve shirt, and black hoodie, adorned with a voluminous silkscreen print and chumaky branding on the front and back.
In addition to clothing, white running socks were added to the collection. The pair differs from ordinary socks by their anatomical design, antibacterial properties, ventilation and moisture wicking functions. They also feature compression and selective cushioned zones to support and protect the feet while running.
‘All these design nuances ensure a comfortable fit, dryness and comfort. The foot fixation and invisible seam prevents the socks from sliding and skin rash, which is very important for runners and athletes. Although some of our friends wear them in everyday life as well’, Nazz adds.
The socks are decorated with community logos on the shin and instep.
You can purchase items from the DROP-01 collection on the community’s Instagram.
What’s next
chumaky are planning to develop a running apparel direction:
‘We follow global brands, test them on ourselves and realize that we have so many ideas to implement. We are sure that we have the potential to do it in style. But there is an important nuance: it is important to find partners who can make the items comfortable and technological. If we’re going to do this, it has to be something of very high quality and something that we will also enjoy wearing while running. This is a very high bar’.
Now chumaky are preparing a new drop in collaboration with a Ukrainian clothing brand, which they have not yet named.
Read more about the activities of chumaky
The chumaky project began with a podcast of the same name about running culture in 2022. In 2023, the community began organizing group runs, in partnership with Sneaker Mate and the PUMA brand, among others. In 2024, they will continue to develop this direction.
‘In this project, the main thing for today is to systematize the processes of the community in order to manage it qualitatively and give people space to communicate, to find like-minded people and friends, to find new vectors for the development and demonstration of us as a community’.
In addition, according to Nazz, people from other cities in Ukraine are asking chumaky for help in creating their own running communities.
The community is also working on a social project, details of which have not been disclosed, planning new formats for the YouTube project and a camp for aspiring runners.
The Strategic Media Support Program project will implement the Lviv Media Forum with the financial support of People in Need (PIN) and Pioneer Foundation.
