THE Ties THAT Bind

Who better to celebrate a woman than the people who love her? This International Women's Day, we throw the spotlight on three women as seen through the eyes of their mother, sibling, and husband.

- CHARMAINE HO

As the 16th-century English poet John Donne famously wrote: "No man is an As island, entire of itself." Such is the interconnectedness of humanity that no one is completely isolated from the rest of society. This is especially so for women, who throw themselves into their myriad roles with a faultless dedication. A colleague transforms into a mother with a phone call from her child. A daughter morphs into a sibling-in-crime at the hint of trouble. A beloved wife turns into a trusty best friend the second her shoulder is needed. This March, to toast International Women's Day, we honour the integral relationships that make up life by showcasing womanhood in all its multifaceted glory. A mother, daughter, sister, wife... we hear just how much these women have impacted the lives around them-directly from their loved ones' perspective. And why not? No one else could do a better job of saluting these women than the people she loves unwaveringly.

AIMEE CHENG-BRADSHAW |  28
WEI CHENG | 61

Model Aimee Cheng‑Bradshaw is focused on making sure her mum, Wei Cheng, is entirely at ease on our set. It’s Wei’s first time ever getting photographed for a publication and Aimee walks her through the paces, ensuring that she knows what’s needed for the photographs and film. The conversation is spoken in a mix of Mandarin and English, with laughter and gentle ribbing punctuating it. With Aimee’s expert guidance (she is, after all, a veteran at this), mum does splendidly well. Once she has warmed up, it’s easy to see just where Aimee gets her confidence and warmth from. Here, Wei shares insights into her daughter.

What was Aimee like as a child?

She was very sweet, lively, cheerful, and expressive through her talents, whether it was singing, dancing, or playing instruments.