[. . . ] She is particularly interested in the representation of women in art and the desire to show strong, independent women in a way that differs from the feminine stereotype typically highlighted in modern art. Piazza Gae Aulenti, one of Milan’s most famous squares Piazza Gae Aulenti opened in December 2012 and to many is considered an icon of contemporary Milan. The square is named after Gae Aulenti, the late Italian architect of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. [. . . ] Melloni 6, 20129 Milano Penelope Mercatino is one of Milan’s top rated vintage stores offering a loving array of fashion and design pieces. A fact most people don’t know about this store is that it runs a unique retail concept, where goods reduce in price over time or are donated to charity if they don’t sell. This approach to retail is not common within Milan, vintage stores tend to be either design-led or fashion-based. The store is full of one-off objects including vintage fashion from the 40’s to the 70’s, alongside vintage furniture, kitchen goods, bags, suitcases, tableware, hats, sunglasses, records, necklaces and many more items. ‘ Alice Pasquini: Whenever I visit Penelope Mercatino I make sure I’ve devoted enough time to rummage through every single rack and rail. You can unearth some amazing vintage finds if you have the patience to go through them all – there’s just so many treasures to uncover! ’ Photography tip from Canon The colourful bar, shop and bistro offers the perfect setting to capture photography of the latest trends in fashion and design. Free your creativity to secure interesting snapshots of Milanese lifestyle. Top tip – bring along a tripod and experiment with long exposure shots to capture Frida’s crowded courtyard. Frida Via Pollaiulo 3, 20159 Milano Located in Milan’s up-and-coming Isola district is Frida, a quirky café, bar and vintage shop that’s popular with locals who are in-the-know. Secretly hidden behind a wall of graffiti art, this vibrant hangout hotspot oozes cool and is the number one place to enjoy brunch while rubbing shoulders with Milanese hipsters. Pick a seat that takes your fancy inside its beautiful indoor courtyard, encased in a glass ceiling and scattered with colourful tables and mismatched chairs. Order a feast from the breakfast or brunch menu, sit back, relax and people-watch. Also take a look at the wares for sale in Frida’s charming little shop bursting with bric-a-brac, graffiti art and all manner of unexpected vintage items. ‘ Alice Pasquini: Frida is the perfect place for people-watching. I like to try and unravel a person’s story when I’m queuing at the bar or sat in the courtyard. [. . . ] The city guide series offers a more everyday look at cities, inviting people to take a fresh look at familiar landscapes and encouraging the discovery of hidden locations from unexpected angles. Search ‘Canon: come and see’ to discover the full city guide series, showcasing breathtaking locations in Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, London. [. . . ]