Pop queen Madonna’s baroque-style tiara during the 2018 Met Gala, Beyonce’s extravagant earrings in one of her music videos and the starburst ear-cuffs worn by Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman are just some examples of Rinaldy’s highly acclaimed achievements and creations throughout his 23-year career in the fashion and design industry.

“This is something that I have never dreamed of. It is something that I never thought could happen, but it did,” the 48-year-old told The Jakarta Post during a recent interview.

The designer, who is affectionately known as “Yungyung” among his closest circle of friends, had no formal education in fashion or design. His highest level of education was senior high school and at that time, his family’s humble lifestyle was far removed from the glitz and glamor of the fashion industry.

Creating things, however, was something that young Rinaldy was familiar with. His mother was an artist who crafted flowers from crepe paper and his father produced handmade school bags. These early childhood memories instilled a creative mindset in Rinaldy.

As a teenager, Rinaldy began to learn about accessories. At this time, he was working for the late Kim Thong, a prominent bridal designer. Rinaldy, however, still had no desire to become an accessory designer at this point.

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