ES Lifestyle newsletter The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive trends and interviews from fashion, lifestyle to travel every week, by email Update newsletter preferences

Gucci made a political statement with its Cruise 2020 fashion show in Rome.

The Italian label's newest collection by Alessandro Michele had one clear message: pro-choice.

Following the backlash and controversy of the new restrictive abortion laws passed in Alabama, which ban abortion in almost all cases, Michele's latest collection couldn't have come at a more fitting time.

A statement purple blazer emblazoned with the 70s feminist slogan: "My Body, My Choice" was one of the first indicators of the political undertones.

"This piece echoes the Creative Director’s continuing vision of freedom, equality and self-expression," Gucci explained in a statement on Instagram. The jacket was followed by a bright yellow t-short adorned with the Chime For Change logo, a global campaign which was founded by Gucci, Salma Hayek and Beyoncé in 2013 to strengthen gender equality.

"Gucci has a longstanding commitment to women and girls by funding projects around the world to support sexual and reproductive rights, maternal health, and the freedom of individual choice," the brand explained underneath a Cruise 2020 catwalk image on Instagram.

The organisation, to date, has raised more than $15 million to support projects globally, helping more than 570,000 girls and women.

Speaking of the inspiration behind the collection, Michele told WWD: "It was a historical moment when women — finally — rejected all the constraints that were imposed in the previous centuries and they became free. That’s why I am paying homage to the Italian law regarding abortion, the law number 194. It’s unbelievable that around the world there are still people who believe that they can control a woman’s body, a woman’s choice. I will always stand behind the freedom of being, always."

The catwalk was also graced with a sweeping pleated gown embroidered with a uterus, as well as a look with '22.05.1978' in bold red typography - the date referring to the Italian statue 194, which allowed women the right to abortion.

Salma Hayek and Zoe Saldana joined Harry Styles at the fashion show held inside the Musei Capitolini, which, Michele revealed in the show notes, he had visited throughout his youth. Styles then performed at the after party alongside Stevie Nicks.