Beyond its culinary fame, Treviso hides a shopper's paradise where Venetian craftsmanship takes centre stage. The city's boutiques offer something increasingly rare in Italy's fashion capitals: impeccable quality without the crushing price tags.

The moment of truth came in a sun-dappled pasticceria, where a stylish Milanese woman - all sharp sunglasses and effortless chic - found herself distracted from her espresso by Gigia's nonchalant elegance. "That cat wears indifference better than most Milanese wear designer labels," she mused, before discovering Treviso's retail secrets. While the selection may not rival Milan's sheer volume, the craftsmanship matches stitch-for-stitch. Running her fingers along a hand-stitched leather journal at a bottega, she sighed: "Back home, this would cost twice as much and come with half the character."

From jewellers preserving centuries-old techniques to textile shops offering Venetian woollens at honest prices, Treviso reminds us luxury isn't about markup - it's about mastery. As for Gigia? She naturally claimed the velvet cushion in the most exclusive atelier, proving once again that in Treviso, true sophistication - whether feline or sartorial - needs no introduction. This category includes places where you primarily buy goods or receive a direct service.