Last Monday Milan’s diehard shoppers and cappuccino addicts-in-withdrawal were given a well-earned respite, as the strict lockdown we’ve been under for two months was lifted for retailers and restaurateurs.

Hairdressers too opened their salons—and you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief as thousands of women (myself included) booked appointments with their beloved parrucchiere. Yet even as doors have swung open, and restrictions on movement and meetings have been reduced, people are apparently still rather cautious when it comes to spending.