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If you embark on one of the excellent small group Florence and Tuscany tours, you’ll be able to explore some of the most iconic sights of Europe. This magnificent Renaissance city is a hotspot of art, culture and cuisine, and Florence and Tuscany tours are a genuine bucket-list activity for many, many people from all over the world. Quite aside from the aforementioned attractions, there’s another thing Florence is famous for as well: its fabulous fashion! Of course, it’s Italy, so there’s a certain innate sense of style to be expected, but while Milan is the most renowned fashion hub of the country, Firenze has its very own, and very stylish edge. Palazzo Pitti holds regular historical clothing fairs and the city is known for both high-end and cutting-edge design, with many well-known designers opening flagship stores. So, when you want a break from the galleries and museums, if it’s fashion you’re after, then that’s what you’ll get! Via Tornabuoni First stop always has to be the most famous fashion street of them all. Via Tornabuoni has been a beacon of affluence since the fourteenth century; today though, the palaces of the city’s wealthiest Florentine families instead house high-end fashion’s most fabulous names, including Prada, Gucci and Pucci – not to mention the jewels to go with them at the likes of Bvlgari and Cartier. The Luxury of Leather The word Florence is synonymous with leather goods, so if you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself to a butter-soft leather jacket this is definitely the place to do it. While you can head to the designer stores and pay a premium, if you’re not quite up to those prices, the open-air markets of San Lorenzo and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo offer up a veritable smorgasbord of stylish leather jackets. Madova Even if you’re not really in the market for a pair of gloves, the old world glamour of the family-run Madova glove shop might just change your mind – you have been warned. The Donnini family have been producing their exquisite hand-made gloves since 1919, with their tiny but undeniably charming shop front (close to the Ponte Vecchio) trading since 1954. You’ll be professionally measured by a trained shop assistant, who’ll then offer you suggestions for the perfect pair from the vibrant range of styles on the bulging shelves. The Mall If you’ve got holiday money burning a hole in your pocket, the best place to relieve you of it is The Mall, a village of high-end designer outlets south of the city. Grab your empty bags and jump on one of the regular shuttle buses that take you out into the Tuscan countryside (about an hour away) and deliver you to fashion heaven! Although it can get pretty busy during peak times, it’s worth it for the bargains to be had sporting iconic names like Gucci. Prada, Ferragamo and Balenciaga. If you’ve got a fashion obsession there’s no need to keep it under control when you’re holidaying in Florence and Tuscany. Tours of this wonderful part of the world may be dominated by art, architecture and culture, but, actually, it’s the ideal place to indulge in something a little less highbrow of the retail kind as well. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best Florence and Tuscany tours. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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