Last night, Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele brought the brand to his native city of Rome, to present his cruise 2020 collection.

In line with tradition, the annual cruise show took place in a lavish historic venue, as models glided through the almost blacked-out ballrooms of the Capitoline Museums. The Roman location was reflected throughout the collection – from a range of toga-inspired pieces to its antique book invitation – referencing both personal influences on Michele and the enduring importance of history to the Italian house.

The rest of the collection was as maximalist and eclectic as ever – featuring feathers and faux-fur cuffed sleeves, layering, patterns and beaded embellishment in a vibrant, clashing palette. There was everything from tailored suits and tracksuits to flowing dresses and lace underwear as outerwear, with some pieces even adorned with Mickey Mouse iconography.

True to form, Michele elevated each look with a wild range of accessories, including cubist-inspired bags, winged sunglasses, sequinned caps, satin gloves, chunky bangles, hat boxes, and guitar cases (it is festival season, after all).

Moreover, the brand made a clear, timely political statement at the show, emblazoning a number of garments with pro-choice political statements such as “My body, my choice” and “22.5.78” – referring to the date of the Italian statute for the protection of motherhood and the voluntary interruption of pregnancy – as well as referencing their long-standing Chime for Change campaign.

Check out our favourite looks below, and watch the full show here.