Any city where even the traffic police wear uniforms designed by Emelio Pucci must surely be a magnet for people who love fashion (and women who like men in uniform, of course).

Florence may be better known for its art, but should not be ignored by serious shoppers and fashionists. The city may not carry the catwalk cache of London, Milan, Paris or New York, but Florence is home to Gucci’s headquarters; the fabulous footwear designer Salvatore Ferragamo; countless artisan workshops offering intricate handmade goods; and open-air markets selling Missoni-like scarfs that make great Christmas presents (sorry, Mum it’s not real).

Then there is the icing on the cake: bargain designer outlets within a 30-minute drive of the city where you can get Gucci at 30-50% off the retail price.

But before you hastily start throwing impractical items into your Louis Vuitton suitcase, it’s worth doing a bit of retail research.

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Any serious shopper can cover this city in a weekend with two essential weapons: good walking shoes (preferably, designer) and a credit card (preferably your husband’s).

Firstly book a hotel that makes a statement. The five-star Grand Hotel on the banks of the river Arno is the place all the models and designers sleep when there is a fashion show in town and it’s in walking distance of some of the city’s best shops.

As with any visit to a strange city, start by orientating yourself to the major attractions. For shoppers this doesn’t mean the infamous Uffizi (one of the oldest museum’s in the world with the da Vinci and Botticelli genius masterpieces) but Florence's Fifth Avenue,Via dei Tornabuoni, where any famous designer worth their salt has a shop.

Browse in any of them - Bulgari, Armani, Versace, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana - and you’ll be promptly served by slick, slim stunning salespersons, most of which speak English and will happily help you spend your husband’s salary (twice over).

Some display a sign ‘entrata libera’ bizarrely saying that entry into the shop is free and you are welcome to browse without buying. But be warned - there is the odd shop where if you enter you are expected to buy at least one item, and even the cost of a wallet will send your husband’s blood pressure orbiting into outer space.

If you can splash some cash and like to turn heads, visit Pucci (it’s impossible to miss the bright, busy psychedelic prints and patterns in the window and if you wonder who would dare to wear them think again).

This designer has a fascinating history (he gave rise to the sleek, clingy skiwear on many a chic ski slope today) and had some extremely famous clients too. Marilyn Monroe apparently asked to be buried in her favourite Pucci dress and, if you see the prices, you can’t blame her for wanting to take it with her.

For something classic head to Gucci. Handbags with that legendary bamboo handle, introduced in 1947, are still a company - and must have wardrobe - mainstay. The trademark striped webbing, derived from the saddle girth, and the suede moccasin with a metal bit, are still de rigeur today.

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