LA Cobbler Preserves Hollywood’s Legacy With Timeless Craftsmanship

In a cobbler’s workshop in Los Angeles, there exists a treasure trove of Hollywood history. This workshop is home to countless foot molds, each with a story to tell, as described by shoemaker Chris Francis, who lamentably notes that his profession is facing extinction.

These impressive molds, known as lasts, once shaped the footwear for many iconic figures in the entertainment industry over the decades.

Names like Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Fonda, and Harrison Ford adorn these shelves, all resting alongside the lasts of other celebrities like Sharon Stone and Liza Minnelli.

Even action legends like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are represented in this unique collection.

“We’ve got a bit of everyone here,” Francis remarks, highlighting the significance of these foot molds.

Francis became the custodian of this collection following the passing of Pasquale Di Fabrizio in 2008. Di Fabrizio, an esteemed Italian cobbler, was renowned as Hollywood’s “shoemaker to the stars.” He crafted shoes for a variety of entertainers, from Broadway to Las Vegas, solidifying his legacy during the golden age of Hollywood.

Many aging boxes contain personal notes or drawings from celebrities, turning these last molds into relics of nostalgia.

‘Something Unique’

Francis recounts that Hollywood was once a prime landscape for shoemakers. The industry’s creative surge fueled a relentless demand for footwear that could make a statement.

“Celebrities often flaunted how much they spent on their shoes, aiming for something unique,” he explains as he showcases the lasts for Adam West, famed for playing Batman.

Initially embarking on a fashion journey through clothing, Francis’s discovery of his passion for shoemaking came unexpectedly while sewing a leather jacket. He recalls, “Here in LA, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time.”

However, his true aspiration lay in footwear. He practiced in his kitchen, initially crafting rudimentary designs as he taught himself the craft.

Seeking advancement, he navigated around LA in search of an apprenticeship but faced language barriers with older cobblers from traditional backgrounds. They taught him through example, and he grasped the craft by observing and repeatedly creating shoes.

“Mistakes can be costly. If you miss a single step, the whole process can be derailed,” he warns, emphasizing the precision required in shoemaking.

Challenges of Mass Production

Despite his dedication, the landscape of shoemaking is changing rapidly. The era when celebrities like Burt Reynolds and Robert De Niro would happily pay top dollar for handcrafted shoes appears to be fading.

Francis notes a troubling trend: “More celebrities are now seeking free shoes, which is detrimental for artisans like myself.”

His rockstar-like appearance betrays his frustrations as he reflects on advice from seasoned cobblers who suggested he pursue a different path. “One of them said, ‘Why do you want to be a shoemaker when you can buy shoes for $20 now?’”

At 48 years old, Francis recognizes that many traditional shoemakers are now focusing on repairing mass-produced shoes, as custom craftsmanship has become increasingly difficult to sustain.

“For those of us in this profession, survival is an uphill battle,” he concludes, conveying the challenges faced by artisans in an industry that increasingly favors mass production.