As stated in an earlier JBR, I went to Merrys Collection in Jl Padma Utara (ph 0361 7453145)to have some sandals copied, and was pleased in the main with the result. They cost 250,000-300,000Rp(depending on the leather), and were reproduced in several different colourways with a black plastic sole & small heel as requested.
The turn-around time was 4 days, but as he became busier at the week went on, this became a 5 day turn-around for later orders. My friend who is still in Bali and has ordered more sandals, says that the latest lot aren't quite as well-made as the first ones, and that perhaps this is because of the increased volume of orders at the moment.
I also had ballet flat style shoes copied, and for these, Aristos drew the outline of my feet, and this was sent to the shoemaker along with the original shoe, which was slightly too big. This had been previously made in Bali at the Adi Ayu shop, aand I had put in heel grips and an inner sole to make them a little smaller and to fit my foot.
Whilst the finished result is very good, and they fit my feet very snuggley, I do think they could be a half size bigger. I didn't have time to have another pair made, so am hopeful that these will stretch a little after several wears. These cost me 300,000Rp, and have been made in 2-tone colours, and the workmanship is very good. It is only the fit that I am a bit dubious about, and when I return in November, I will ask that they be made just a fraction bigger. This is the 3rd time over the years that I have had a shoe made to my foot measurement, and the 3rd time that I have not been quite happy with the end result.
Earlier in the year, when I was researching on the BTF about having footwear made in Bali, there were many recommendations for Merrys, and I contacted him by email, with a photo attachment of the shoes & sandals I wanted made. Aristos was very prompt in replying, and I do think that he is a man who knows his business well, as is evident with the large numbers of customers visiting his shop every day.
Merry's also makes lovely handbags which sell for 600,000Rp from stock, and a little more to have them custom-made. I bought a black one with studded front & back panels for my daughter, and she is thrilled with the soft leather, and I am also impressed with the thin suede finish of the interior of the bag.
I was also there when a customer picked up his men's sandals, and thought that they were extremely well made and looked very expensive! The leather jackets stocked in the shop also looked to be well made.
Merrys website address is: http://www.merryscollection.baliklik.com