Gucci Heads to Rome for Politically-Charged Cruise 2020 Collection

Alessandro Michele has showcased his Gucci Cruise 2020 collection in Rome’s Capitoline Museums, once again delivering a collection packed with antiquities, ironically kitsch references and a political stance.

The collection revolved around the freedom of choice, seeing pieces adorned with the slogan “My Body, My Choice” and “May 22, 1978,” the date when abortion was legalized in Italy. The reference-heavy collection looked to cartoon characters who inspire freedom and fun such as Mickey Mouse, as well as an iconography and design language synonymous with Gucci.

Standout looks from the collection were mostly inspired by tailoring. Much like its recent tailoring campaign featuring Harry Styles, signature pieces saw a heavy use of velvet, silk and wool draped off models on the runway. Key looks include a bronze velvet suit with a large fringed shawl, the all-over Mickey Mouse printed “GG” monogram cape, a bright green suede two-piece and an ’80s-inspired white shellsuit — the latter being a contrast to the rest of Gucci’s Cruise 2020 collection.

Speaking on the show itself, Alessandro Michele told WWD, “It was really important to organize this show in Rome in a time when it’s important to glorify this place that is a place of freedom. All the beautiful things surrounding us from the pagan world are connected to a freedom that has sometimes been threatened. I tried to place all the characters of my movie in the best possible surroundings where they are allowed to be free.”

Take a look at some of the best looks from the Gucci Cruise 2020 show in Rome in the gallery above.

For some Gucci pieces you can pick up now, take a look at its latest bold and branded take on its slides.