Chris Francis: The Glam Shoemaker of LA

Currently on view at the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) is an exhibition featuring the functional art footwear of Chris Francis. The LA-based designer and maker draws from engineering, architecture, literature and music to make eye-popping shoes -- from sculptural heels inspired by the experiments of an 18th century engineer to stilettos with broom brush bristles and a sex pistols button, drawn from his nights at CBGBs. DnA talks to Francis about how his upbringing in Kokomo, Indiana, inspires his work, what’s happened to the craft of shoemaking and why musicians should not perform in flip-flops.