Beauty through experience: how time shapes your true self

In both the kitchen and the studio, the most meaningful work rarely reveals itself all at once. It emerges through repetition and patience. Whether shaping a menu or a creative practice, chef Esther Sham and creative director Victoria Tang-Owen share an instinct for working intentionally—refining rather than rushing, and trusting that care applied consistently leaves its own mark.

Esther Sham: The Art of Persistence

Sham’s path to becoming a celebrated restaurateur was not a linear success. Her journey into the kitchen was forged through years of self-training and the grueling reality of apprenticeships, where she often had to prove her worth in high-pressure environments. From those early struggles to the eventual opening of her acclaimed restaurant, Maison ES, every challenge was a lesson in refinement. “Every failure is progress and it gets you closer to success,” she reflects. “Passion is the motivating force. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to endure the hardship and the long hours required to reach mastery.”

Esther Sham (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

Esther Sham (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

Victoria Tang-Owen : A Legacy of Creative Resilience

For Victoria Tang-Owen, the creative journey balances a powerful family legacy with her distinct artistic voice. As the daughter of the late Sir David Tang, she has a deep appreciation for heritage, yet her success with global luxury brands and her studios—Thirty30 Creative and Victoria Tang Studio—arises from a dedicated process of experimentation. “My creative approach celebrates the beauty of imperfection and transformation,” she says. “As a designer, I see myself as a metaphorical fixer; every client brief poses problems to solve. I integrate my experiences and vulnerabilities into my work, showing that resilience comes from challenges. Ultimately, I view my practice as an ongoing journey where flaws become sources of strength and authenticity.”

Both Sham and Tang-Owen have built their expertise over time, learning from setbacks as much as from success. Layering experience, including difficult chapters, created the clarity and confidence they bring to their work and life.

Victoria Tang-Owen (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

Victoria Tang-Owen (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

Time as an Ally

This perspective of refinement is what guided global prestige skincare brand SK-II to move away from the traditional "anti-aging" narrative. Inspired by the art of kintsugi—which repairs broken ceramics with gold lacquer—the brand developed its LXP range to push new thinking of, “time as an ally”. Rather than viewing the years as an adversary to be fought, or using skincare to conceal "cracks", this philosophy celebrates skin that becomes more resilient because of its history.

Rituals That Resonate: Daily Skincare and Self-Care

For Sham, care has always been about routine and attention to detail. “The cream is indulgent yet melts upon contact,” she says. “It reminds me of dishes designed to dissolve on the palate.” As a chef attuned to precise temperature control, she appreciated the careful formulation. “We use low-temperature cooking to preserve nutritional value. We know how critical that process is.” She adds, “Beauty is both inner and outer, and it grows with experience over the years.”

Tang experienced the LXP range through its ritual. “The texture, the weight of it, even the scent—it sends a calm signal to the brain,” she says. “A meaningful philosophy enhances my connection to the product. Ultimately, seeing time positively enhances my artistic process and self-care rituals, promoting resilience and depth.”

Esther Sham (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

The SK-II LXP Cream (Photo: Courtesy of SK-II)

Time as a Teacher: Gold Seams in Life and Beauty

For both Sham and Tang, beauty has been shaped by the lives they have built. Just as kintsugi transforms an object through repair, the moments of repetition, failure, and refinement have brought clarity to their present identity. “I identify several 'gold seams' in my life,” Tang reflects. “Personal experiences shaped my resilience. These 'gold seams' remind me that the unique beauty of my journey lies in celebrating imperfections and valuing the lessons learnt.”

Explore more in the SK-II store.

The LXP Craftsmanship series (Photo: Courtesy of SK-II)

The Science of Craftsmanship

SK-II’s LXP range treats skincare with the same rigor as a master artisan. This dedication is defined by three rare elements that act as the "precious metals" of the collection:

• The Rare 1.2%: In a feat of extreme precision, only 1.2% of one million yeast cells are deemed potent enough to be transformed into this essence.
• Highest Concentrated Pitera™: SK-II’s signature bio-ingredient is used in its most concentrated form ever, acting as the "lacquer" that helps skin feel cohesive and resilient.
• Gold Silk Sericin: Sourced from a specialized breed of silkworm, this rare ingredient provides a "golden touch," mirroring the precious gold seams used in kintsugi.

The LXP Range

LXP Cream: Designed to nourish deeply while supporting skin firmness, plumpness, and radiance.LXP Essence: A silky, fluid texture that enhances clarity and vitality while preparing the skin to receive the rest of the regimen.LXP Serum: A rapid-absorbing formula that refines texture and reinforces skin interconnections for a visibly smoother appearance.LXP Eye Cream: Softens the look of fine lines while improving the clarity and firmness of the delicate skin around the eyes.

In Partnership with SK-II