Rinaldy A. Yunardi Presents 'Equilibrium' on 47th Birthday
Jakarta. Internationally acclaimed Indonesian fashion accessories designer Rinaldy Arviano Yunardi, in collaboration with Swedish vodka brand Absolut Elyx, presented his solo show in the grand ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, on Wednesday (13/12).
"I have been wanting to present my solo show again for quite some time, but haven't got the opportunity until now," Rinaldy said during the press conference.
Rinaldy also presented solo shows in 2000 and 2002, while this year's show coincided with his birthday and marked his 22nd year in the industry.
"I feel so thrilled and excited at the same time," the 47-year-old designer said. "For me, [the show] is a precious moment to look back and give thanks to all those that have supported my career."
Humble Beginnings
The self-taught designer, who recently won the prestigious World of WearableArt (WoW) Award in Wellington, New Zealand, seemed to have inherited his artistic streak from his parents.
In Rinaldy's birthplace of Medan in North Sumatra, his father made leather handbags while his mother, a schoolteacher, taught handicrafts.
The family relocated to Jakarta in 1982.
Rinaldy, who never liked formal education, decided to work after finishing high school.
After a few odd jobs, he was recruited by a famous bridal house in Jakarta to market its imported accessories.
The young Rinaldy then became enchanted with the beautiful bridal tiaras, oversized bangles, necklaces and earrings he marketed for the bridal house and learned to create them in his spare time.
He later started selling his handmade accessories door to door.
Rinaldy's works became known for their intricate details and fine workmanship. And by word of mouth, his fame grew.
Renowned fashion designer Didi Budiardjo featured Rinaldy's accessory collection during a fashion show in Jakarta in 1997 and since then, his collections have graced many prestigious runways in Indonesia and abroad.
His accessories are also worn by some of the world's top divas and Hollywood darlings, including Nicki Minaj ("No Frauds" video clip in March 2017), Mariah Carey (Paper Magazine in August 2017), Kylie Jenner (Instagram in August 2017), Shakira ("Perro Fiel" video clip in September 2017).
Five Elements
Rinaldy's solo show on Wednesday was themed "Equilibrium."
"The universe consists of five main elements, which are metal, water, fire, wind and soil," the designer said. "An equilibrium of all these elements is needed for peaceful and harmonious living on earth."
The show opened with a male model wearing a gorgeous pair of metallic wings that swathed his torso. The full-house audience broke into a round of rapturous applause.
The show was divided into five sequences, showcasing Rinaldy's accessories inspired by the natural elements.
In each sequence, the designer presented fresh, unorthodox creations that perplexed the audience. Each piece was apparently crafted with precision and great attention to detail.
Top Indonesian divas Andien, Syahrini, Rossa, Melly Goeslaw, Kris Dayanti and Titi DJ performed a new song titled "Hara" ("Soil Nutrients"), during the finale.
"Melly has especially written this song for my show," the designer said.
The front-row audience gave a standing ovation at the end of the show.
"It was a spectacular show," Indonesia Fashion Designers Council (IPMI) chairwoman Sjamsidar Isa said after the show. "It is definitely an outburst of Rinaldy's imagination and creativity. Each piece was innovative and out of the box."
But Rinaldy does not rest on his laurels.
"My future aim is simple. I just want to work at being better and better at what I'm doing now," he said.
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