The founder of Hong Kong’s organic grooming brand Vitruvian Man, Vivian Lau, on sustainability, mental health and self-care
For many people, making a new year’s resolution to adopt a healthier lifestyle means exercising more regularly and eating a more balanced diet. But how often do we remember to prioritise our mental health as part of that goal? Vivian Lau, founder of Vitruvian Man, saw the impact of poor mental health first-hand when her friend’s psoriasis was exacerbated by stress. She talks to Tatler about how important it is for men to put their mental health first, and how taking care of their skin plays a part in that.
Why did you decide to create a skincare line for men?
It all started with helping a friend. Stress aggravated his psoriasis, and he was prescribed steroid creams by his dermatologist. Once the infected area healed, he tried to find over-the-counter moisturisers to help with the dryness but couldn’t find one that worked. I decided to try and formulate something clean and simple for him, and that’s how the initial idea for Vitruvian Man was born.
The name was inspired by Roman architect Vitruvius’s philosophy. Every step and aspect of the brand should embody his three central values: firmitas (strength), utilitas (functionality) and venustas (elegance).