Florence 's best buys tend to be leather goods , designer wear and food . Roberto Cavalli 's Florence store , just one of the city 's many high-end boutiques . If money is no object , head to Via Tornabuoni , Florence 's answer to 5th Avenue , and snap up Prada , Gucci , and local-born designers Cavalli , Ferragamo and Pucci . If your budget does n't stretch that far , head south to the city outskirts by car or taxi to the designer outlets where you can pick up luxury goods from Dolce and Gabbana and more at bargain prices ( www.outlet-firenze.com . ) For hand-made cashmere or silk-lined leather gloves , try Madora ( Via Guicciardini 1/R ; +39 055 239 6526 ) . Some people travel all the way to Florence just to shop here . If you have ever admired Sting 's suits , you can buy one of your own from Piero and Franco Cisternino ( Via del Purgatorio 22/R ; +39 055 280 118 ) who make men 's suits to measure . One of the most beautiful shops in Florence is an ancient herbal pharmacy or apothecary , Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella ( Via della Scala 16 ; +39 055 216 276 ) , set in a 13th-century frescoed chapel . Its world renowned products include pomegranate perfume , orange blossom water and carnation milk soap . Italians have typically been late adopters of vintage fashion but Elio Ferraro ( Via del Parione 47/R ; +39 055 290 425 ; www.elioferraro.com ) was ahead of the game . A visit to his gallery/shop will unearth vintage Yves Saint Laurent , Dior and Chanel from the 1930s onwards . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . Florence City Guide : . Where to stay | What to see | Where to be seen | Where to eat | Where to shop . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . Do you agree with our Florence picks ? Send us your comments and suggestions in the `` Sound Off '' box below and we 'll print the best .
Florence 's shopping is n't cheap : think high-end luxury goods . Italian designers can be found on Via Tornabuoni -- and also at the outlet mall . Florence is famous for its quality leather goods , like silk-lined gloves . Made-to-measure suits and vintage fashions can also be found .