On each trip to Bali, I usually have something made by my tailor and leather wear shop.
Because I have always been very pleased with prices and the finished product, I continue to use the same shops each time, and therefore would like to recommend them again, although both have already received good postings by other forumites.
HOUSE OF KOMANGS: Jalan Padma, Legian. Opposite the Casa Padma Hotel.
Ph: 081 236 00523
I first met Ketut when he was a "house" tailor and Komang worked for Victory Tailors in Garlic Lane, so our relationship goes back about 6 years. Their business has grown a lot in the last couple of years, and they are now based in their shop.
This year as I often do, I took my own material (striped stretch corduroy) to have jeans made. I also took my own metal zips and top stitch cottons, as I wasn't sure if they had either item. I also took a pair of my favourite jeans for them to copy, which they did perfectly, even down to the metal rivets.
With the left over material, I had 2 short skirts made for my 15 yr old daughter, copied from her denim one.All four items were an exact fit and nothing needed to be altered.
My hubby had a dark navy sports jacket made plus 3 pairs of trousers, and again these were a good fit, apart from the hems needing to be taken up a half cuff. They have a good range of men's material in particular, and many pattern books and pictures to choose a design from.
There are some materials that aren't available in Bali, such as mock suede, some embroidered denims and the striped corduroy, and I often take my own material from Oz. Also, if you require an unusual colour lining, it may be best to take that with you, and perhaps the cottons as well.
My friend who is a qualified dressmaker, also has clothes made by them, and I think that speaks for itself.
Komang always quotes a "fair & good" price at the start, but you can usually get a small discount when you have several items made.Their work is speedy, and even alterations have a quick turn-around. They will deliver to your hotel if necessary, and nothing seems too much trouble for them.They are a really lovely couple, who do their utmost to please their customers.
FRENCH LEATHER COLLECTION: Jalan Sahadewa (Garlic Lane), Legian. This is the street that connects Jl Padma with Jl Melasti, and runs parallel to Legian Road.Across the road is the Dolphin Restaurant.
Ph. (0361) 759 023. See Mat (the owner) or Ivan.
The first time I wanted a leather jacket made in Bali (1998), I approached several shops for a quote, and the best price was given to me by Ivan at French Leather. I was also told that a deposit was not required and that if I did not like the finished product, then I was free to reject it, and they would sell it in the shop instead.
With this kind of offer, I felt reassured that I wouldn't be "stuck" with a coat that didn't fit etc, and of course placed my order with them. I was very happy with my jacket then and the ones made since, so I continue to use French each time I want anything made in leather. ( And please don't ask how many and what colours I have in my wardrobe!!)
This year both my friend Kerry and I had thigh length jackets made, hers in brown suede and mine in burgundy leather, which is beautifully soft and rich in colour. Usual jacket prices are around $A110-135 depending on length & various requirements (see further down the page).
There are some new colours now available in the soft leather - a deep red,a metallic pink and a "rose" pink, but the lovely "grape" colour that he used to sell, is now a deleted line.
Mat will also make jazz ballet shoes for about $A25-30,shoes and handbags, and a couple of years ago, my hubby had almost knee-high cowboy boots made with a stitched design on them ( around $A90). He also has a ready-made stock of wallets, shoulder bags, toilet bags,travel wallets and sometimes shoes, all selling for a very reasonable price.
Mat will accept either Australian cash ( his wife is Australian) or rupiah, but not credit cards. Prices vary depending on which leather or suede, the colour, and the length of the coat, as well as how many joins/or amount of large pieces of hide are used.
I like to place my order early in my holiday, to ensure that any alterations can be carried out in time, although I know that he can also do a VERY quick turn-around if necessary.
I also like to be very specific in my requirements, like which pocket design & where to place it/placement of buttons/a split or not in the back and that it will definitely lie flat/collar design/sleeve length/shoulder width etc,etc.(I'm sure that you can tell I'm a virgo!)
Another point to be aware of is that they usually make the lining in either black or brown (normal stock they carry), so if you are choosing say a burgundy leather, ask for the same coloured lining, otherwise you may be disappointed with the result. Also, be specific as to whether you want top stitching or not.
I also ask for just a small sample of the leather in case I want to match an accessory to it at a later time.