A recent and informative StyleForum discussion thread takes a look at the in's and out's menswear shopping in Florence - primarily from the consumer's point of view of course. I've never been to Florence (just to Milan). Florence, Rome and Milan, are considered the premier destinations for men's clothing in Italy. For my next visit I'd like to check out the atelier of Liverano & Liverano, a Florentine tailor who cuts a dashing suit, which to my eye, crosses the classic square-shouldered Roman with Neapolitan features such as the lapel shape.
This interest in Italian stores brings to mind the larger influences of both England and Italy on menswear. In the modern era, menswear has been dominated by the Italians and English. They dominate the textile mills (i.e. Loro Piana, Holland & Sherry), suit/jacket styles, tailoring traditions and retail brands. I hope to post in the future on the Italian and English influence.