Digital cover: The Bvlgari B.zero1 collection

Known for their feminine allure, Ruth Chao, Jessica Jann, Feiping Chang and Steph Shek challenge all preconceived notions and adopt a masculine front to match their heavy metal jewellery. Gender is never black-and-white – and that’s exactly why they’re breaking free from assumptions and archetypes, embracing the man in the woman with the fierceness of femininity.

FEIPING CHANG

What’s your favourite piece from the B.zero1 Rock collection and why?

I love the B.zero1 Rock rings as you can stack them, mix and match them with other rings, and create your own unique look.

Finish this sentence: When I wear B.zero1 Rock, I feel…

Empowered.

And when I want to feel like [blank], I wear B.zero1 Rock.

A boss!

What does being a woman mean to you?

It’s being exactly who you want to be. Our femininity is defined by how innately strong women are, and the emotional and physical capabilities we hold, not by gender-conforming roles.

What’s the best part about being a woman?

Being in touch with my emotions.

What does it mean to be feminine?

To be both strong yet gentle, kind but firm, loyal and loving.

What does it mean to be masculine?

To be both strong yet gentle, kind but firm, loyal and loving.

Are there any aspects of yourself that you’re proud of, but are commonly thought to be masculine?

Having grown up in several different countries, I’ve learned to be very adaptable and independent. I don’t like asking for help and try to accomplish tasks by myself as much as possible.

Do you feel that there’s a time and place for masculinity/femininity? Why or why not?

I think we need a balance of both at all times. Our perspectives and approaches benefit from having both sides.

How do you explore the boundaries of masculinity and femininity?

Fashion and accessories are a great reflection of our personalities and state of mind. I love being feminine and sexy while being commanding and comfortable, such as wearing an oversized jacket with a crop top, or layering chunky jewellery with a summer dress and military boots.

When do you feel most masculine?

When I’m taking care of my loved ones.

When do you feel most feminine?

When I’m with my husband.

STEPH SHEK

What’s your favourite piece from the B.zero1 Rock collection?

The B.zero1 Rock ring with studs and pavé diamonds.

Finish this sentence: When I wear B.zero1 Rock, I feel…

Empowered.

What does being a woman mean to you?

Being a woman means being able to be strong and push boundaries without losing your gentleness.

What’s the best part about being a woman?

Being pampered.

What does it mean to be feminine?

In this generation, there are no social expectations or labelling on femininity. I can’t define what it means to be feminine, but to me, femininity is always associated with sensuality and passion.

What does it mean to be masculine?

It means you are brave and have a strong mind to take up anything.

Are there any aspects of yourself that you’re proud of, but are commonly thought to be masculine?

I think it’s being focused at work – work is very important to me.

Do you feel that there’s a time and place for masculinity/femininity? Why or why not?

Not really. I think both are in you all the time, and there’s not any specific time and place where you can only feel just one. It’s more like which one is stronger than the other.

How do you explore the boundaries of masculinity and femininity?

I think I practise both at work. I have really high standards, but at the same time, I really care about my staff in all aspects, meaning I am always there to listen and grow with them.

When do you feel most masculine?

When I’m at work.

When do you feel most feminine?

Whenever I’m vulnerable.

JESSICA JANN

What’s your favourite piece from the B.zero1 Rock collection and why?

I love the rings! I love how edgy they are and the fact you can wear one by itself, or stack them to really make a bold statement. Honestly, they’re all stunning.

Finish this sentence: When I wear B.zero1 Rock, I feel…

Powerful.

And when I want to feel [blank], I wear B.zero1 Rock.

Strong.

What does being a woman mean to you?

Being a woman is the best of both worlds. You can be powerful and strong, yet emotional and compassionate. I look up to a lot of strong women and know that we can do anything we set our minds to.

What’s the best part about being a woman?

Dressing up! Just kidding. I think it’s the amazing support and community we get from other women. As I get older, I’ve realised how important and awesome it is to support other women. We really can do it! Let’s cheer each other on.

What does it mean to be feminine?

Being feminine is a feeling for me. It’s a softer side of me.

What does it mean to be masculine?

I think being more firm and strong in a certain mindset. I think I have both aspects – femininity and masculinity.

Are there any aspects of yourself that you’re proud of, but are commonly thought to be masculine?

I used to hear that I was very opinionated and it had some type of negative connotation, but as I grew older, I embraced that that’s me. Not everyone’s going to like you – and that’s okay. You just gotta do you!

Do you feel that there’s a time and place for masculinity/femininity? Why or why not?

I think you just have to be yourself. I think every person has parts of themselves that will be both masculine and feminine.

How do you explore the boundaries of masculinity and femininity?

I’m lucky in my work that I get to act and play dress-up. I love playing roles that are the opposite of my personality. Especially in acting, you just have to go there and play that role.

When do you feel most masculine?

I can’t really pinpoint it, but when I’m in a work meeting or speaking up for myself or others, I think I become tougher and more masculine.

When do you feel most feminine?

At home with my family and my husband, Kenneth. That’s when I’m most relaxed and comfortable. I think I’m most feminine then.

RUTH CHAO

What’s your favourite piece from the B.zero1 Rock collection and why?

My favourite pieces in the B.zero1 Rock collection are the stacked rings. They embody the daring spirit from the past collaborations with Anish Kapoor and Zaha Hadid, with the same sense of pioneering creativity to reinvent conventional rules.

What does being a woman mean to you?

How the philosopher Lao Tzu describes water reminds me of women: “Water is fluid, soft and yielding, but it can wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. When what is fluid, soft and yielding overcomes what is rigid and fixed, it raises the paradox: What is soft is strong.”

What’s the best part about being a woman?

That the room for choices and breaking new ground is now limitless.

How do you explore the boundaries of masculinity and femininity?

I love chasing career dreams and attending to my loved ones. By traditional definitions, the former would imply masculinity and the latter femininity. However, in today’s ever-changing world and its evolution, I think it simply defines a good and necessary balance.

Are there any aspects of yourself that you’re proud of, but are commonly thought to be masculine?

Having my own creative studio, building it, and working with my team and clients are among the top things I enjoy doing. I never thought of it as masculine, though, because I think what is beautiful about women at work is that we bring a unique balance to the table. A healthy dose of emotion can come in the form of empathy and kindness – remixed with a directness to communicate a vision and courage to go for it are what I think defines the new age. Women can be soft and strong at the same time.

Do you feel that there’s a time and place for masculinity/femininity? Why or why not?

It may all be in the balance – for me, I’m usually direct in my communication and assertive in my goals. At the same time, I enjoy caring for my loved ones and being supportive of them. I believe that in today’s world, it’s about taking the best of the traditionally gender-specific characteristics – whether they be masculine or feminine – and finding a balance that’s comfortable for you to shape into the best person you can be.

What gives you confidence to be yourself or be different? If you could give advice to those afraid of expressing themselves differently, what would it be?

I believe character is polished by time and confidence only comes from being comfortable with who you are. Throughout the years, I’ve come to accept the elements within me that make me different. It helps to know that we all share similarities and differences on this journey – and that we are a constantly evolving work of art.