Caoimhe Gordon | Contributing Writer
He pitied the little Mermaid as she did not have any clothes so he began designing outfits for her
Rafi Ridwan- remember that name. He’s about to become fashion’s Next Big Thing. Despite the fact that Rafi was born deaf, he has not been stopped from following his dreams. He has embarked on a gloriously colourful fashion career with the type of early success that his fellow designers could only dream of: fashion shows, collections and meeting his idol, Tyra Banks. All this, and he is only 11 years old.
“I tried explaining to him that sound is made up of various colours like red, yellow, green and blue in the hopes that my answer would help him fill the emptiness in his life.”
Rafi was born in July 2002 with some serious health issues. He was born deaf and constantly suffers with respiratory tract infections. He has spent his childhood in and out of hospital. His creative side flourished after a poignant exchange with his mother, Shinta Ayu Handayani, when a five year old Rafi asked what sounds sound like: “So I tried explaining to him that sound is made up of various colours like red, yellow, green and blue in the hopes that my answer would help him fill the emptiness in his life.” His childhood pictures became full of vibrant hues. He became fascinated with watching the fish in the aquarium at home and began to sketch them with artistic finesse beyond his years. In an interview with the Jakarta Globe, he further explained his fascination with all things aquatic: “I love fish a lot. Then I watched The Little Mermaid movie, and I saw that fish have their own kingdoms, with kings and princesses. So I started drawing mermaids.” He pitied the little Mermaid as she did not have any clothes so he began designing outfits for her.
“he simply believes in his dreams. And slowly but surely, his dreams are coming true.”
His passion for fashion was sparked. When he was bedridden for two years, he spent his time sketching. However, it was when he met Indonesian designer Barli Asmara that initial success occurred. After showing Asmara some of his designs, Rafi was invited to Asmara’s workshop. The designer was so impressed with his uncultivated talent that he helped him realise his dream to hold a fashion show on his 9th birthday. Under Asmara’s tutelage, Rafi designed seven outfits. This fashion show brought his talent to the attention of designer Nonita Respati and accessories designer Ariani Pradjasaputra. The three collaborated together to establish Purana-Aarti-Rafi (PAR). Their collection debuted at Jakarta Fashion Week 2011. In celebration of his 10th birthday, Rafi designed a childrenswear collection and chose his deaf schoolmates to model the ensembles. 2012 brought further joy to young Rafi as he finally received a cochlear implant in his right ear. For the first time in his life, Rafi can hear vibrations and with regular therapy sessions, he is beginning to recognise sound and even attempting to speak. In 2013, Rafi’s success continued as he was brought to international attention after his designs were featured in an episode of the popular reality show, America’s Next Top Model.
If the first few years of his career are any indication, it seems that Rafi will continue to triumph over adversity to become the famed designer he has always wished to be. As his father Mohammad said: “Most of us are afraid to dream. We’re limited by our own complicated logics and fears. But Rafi’s a child and he simply believes in his dreams. And slowly but surely, his dreams are coming true.”
