• Redesigned versions of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia are coming soon
• The vehicles will ride on the STLA Large platform already found in the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S
• Buyers will be able to choose from electric and hybrid powertrains

Alfa Romeo will take the wraps off a redesigned Stelvio compact crossover later this year, its CEO, Santo Ficili, announced via a social media post over the weekend.

Ficili said the market launch will follow in 2026 and that a hybrid option will be available, made possible by the flexibility of the vehicle’s STLA Large platform. This platform will also underpin a redesigned Giulia compact sedan arriving in 2026.

Alfa Romeo confirmed the new Stelvio for 2025 and the new Giulia for 2026 in an announcement made early last year, though previously, only electric powertrains were mentioned. However, a slowing adoption rate for EVs has led Alfa Romeo, along with many other automakers, to reverse plans to exclusively offer EVs.

The STLA Large platform, one of several modular platforms from parent company Stellantis, made its debut in the 2024 Dodge Charger and has since appeared in the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S. It will underpin at least eight vehicles in North America, including a new Jeep Cherokee (name not yet confirmed) that has already been spotted testing.

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Production of the new Stelvio—and likely the Giulia—is expected to take place at a Stellantis plant in Cassino, Italy, where the current generation of both vehicles is built. Fellow Stellantis brand Maserati also builds its Grecale crossover at the plant. The Grecale is related to the current Stelvio and already offers an electric option.

Alfa Romeo has previously confirmed that high-performance Quadrifoglio versions of the new Stelvio and Giulia are planned, though these will likely be EVs only. Rumors suggest that the Quadrifoglio models could produce close to 1,000 hp.

Though yet to be officially announced by the automaker, an Alfa Romeo midsize SUV is expected to arrive after the new Stelvio and Giulia, around 2027. This model will compete with the BMW X5 and serve as Alfa Romeo’s flagship.

Joy in Freedom of Expression

Beyond Netflix documentaries and newspaper headlines, in the context of fashion, “cult dressing” refers to a sartorial trope associated with specific subcultures or underground movements, where clothing choices are often used as a form of rebellion, identity or self-expression that is distinct from mainstream fashion. These subcultures could include groups like punk, goth, grunge, skaters or alternative styles that rejected conventional fashion norms. Cult dressing is typically defined by its exclusivity and uniqueness, often showcasing a specific set of aesthetics — such as do-it-yourself (DIY) fashion, obscure designer pieces or unconventional ensembles that signal membership in a specific cultural or social group. This style is usually adopted by those who want to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, often as a form of resistance or individuality.

As fashion becomes more inclusive and accessible, consumers are now able to express their authentic selves without the barriers that once kept certain styles exclusive. This democratisation of fashion means that people from all walks of life can find joy in dressing uniquely, without feeling restricted by mainstream fashion’s norms. The key idea is that these styles were once rare, niche and inaccessible to the broader public, but as fashion becomes more democratised through social media and collaborations between high fashion and mass-market brands, these once “cult” styles are increasingly absorbed into the mainstream, losing some of their distinctiveness and rebellious power.

The Rise of Social Media and the Death of Subcultural Significance

@cynicalneoprincess If last night was anything to go by I guess I can expect a looot of Chappell Roan comparisons over the next few years. But I need everyone to know I was doing the whole white face drag look before I ever knew who she was 😭 . . . . . . . . . #fitcheck #altfashion #altmakeup #gothfashion #clubkid ♬ original sound – ICONIC AUDIO

Fashion has always been a vehicle for self-expression, a tool to communicate identity and beliefs. For years, cult dressing — the hallmark of underground movements, niche subcultures and rebellious countercultures — was a bastion of inclusivity by means of exclusivity, a space where personal style was defined by what was different from the mainstream, a subculture of individuals who found their own sense of belonging amongst outsiders. In 2025, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Social media platforms — particularly TikTok — have democratised fashion, enabling subcultures once confined to the fringes to move into the mainstream, where their distinct styles are appropriated, commodified and mass-marketed causing the lines between what is “underground” and what is commercial to blur. What was once deemed “alternative” is now easily accessible to anyone with a phone and fashion has become a more collective, rapidly changing experience.

To many, the unique essence of subcultures that once defined individuality has been commodified and marketed to the masses. As these styles trickle down to mass-market brands and their consumers, they eventually become mainstream trends losing the very essence of what made them special. What was once a symbol of authenticity — from punk’s safety pins and flannel shirts to the streetwear born from skate culture — becomes diluted when packaged for profit. This results in the erosion of the authenticity these movements once held, leading to a sense of disillusionment in the joy of dressing and the expression of being “uniquely you”. The “proliferation” of these once-unique styles forces us — as fashion consumers — to confront the dichotomy: can adopting elements of a subculture still allow space for true individuality? If not, does this disillusionment affect the very idea of what it means to be “uniquely you”?

The Reconfiguration of Fashion Culture

@noctez.collective blowin’ bubbles… #y2k #outfitinspo #aesthetic #y2kfashion #fyp ♬ son original – ∞

The emergence of TikTok as a global cultural force has transformed the way many consume fashion. With TikTok’s algorithm-driven discovery tools, fashion trends can explode and evolve in a matter of hours. No longer do individuals need to belong to a specific subculture to gain visibility and the “cult” aspect of “cult dressing” is now diluted. In the age of TikTok, niche trends such as normcore, Y2K aesthetics or even specific clothing brands associated with subcultures are consumed and transformed by millions. While this level of visibility is empowering, it also raises the question of whether subcultures can retain their authenticity once they become commercially viable.

Normcore — which initially stood out for its embrace of simplicity as a form of non-conformity — quickly evolved into a mainstream trend. What started as a rejection of ostentation became mass-marketed and adopted by major retailers, making it accessible while maintaining its roots in minimalism. This shift highlights how subcultures — even those rooted in resistance to trends — can find themselves co-opted by the very industries they once challenged.

Similarly, Cottagecore — a style born from a romanticised, rural lifestyle that rejects modernity — draws inspiration from vintage, rural aesthetics with a countercultural edge. Originally a niche, it has seen a surge in popularity, driven in part by platforms like TikTok and Etsy, and compounded to mainstream culture by the popularity of the “Trad Wife” lifestyle trend. This movement — once defined by its “cultish” quality — has grown to see collaborations between indie brands and mass-market retailers like Urban Outfitters, blurring the line between underground and mainstream appeal.

The Y2K aesthetic — rooted in nostalgia for the late 1990s and early 2000s — exemplifies how trends are revived with new intensity in the digital age. Defined by metallics, exposed underwear waistbands over baggy, low-rise jeans and bold logos, this trend has exploded across social media and into the fashion mainstream (re-energised by Diesel, who one could argue was a pioneer of the trend in the early 2000s, showcasing the cyclical nature of fashion as styles make their way back into the spotlight, often evolving yet remaining rooted in their origins), revealing the power of collective memory and viral influence in reshaping past styles for today’s audience.

Finally, streetwear — which once emerged from skate, hip-hop, and punk subcultures — has ascended from its underground roots to become a dominant force in global fashion. Brands like Supreme and Off-White, which were initially part of countercultural movements, now stand at the forefront of high fashion, demonstrating how styles born in rebellion can redefine what is considered mainstream. This shift underscores the fluid nature of fashion, where the lines between subcultures and commercial success continue to blur. There is also an element of nostalgia, cultural relevance and timing at play. Cottagecore, for example, aligns with a collective desire for simplicity and a return to nature amidst digital overwhelm. Similarly, the resurgence of Y2K aesthetics taps into nostalgia — marketing it as a form of self-expression, but often reducing it to a way to commodify memories.

Redefining Individuality in a Collective Fashion Culture

Uniqlo Collab with Marni (left) and Jil Sander (right)

One of the most notable markers of this shift is the increased frequency of collaborations between avant-garde designers and mass-market brands. Labels like Uniqlo, H&M and even fast-fashion titan Zara have long partnered with high-end designers to make their collections available to the masses. Designers with cult followings such as Jil Sander, Comme des Garçons and Alexander Wang have contributed to lines that bring high fashion into affordable retail spaces. This merging of high and low fashion serves to further dissolve the boundaries that once defined the two. These partnerships make luxury design more accessible but also challenge the concept of fashion as an expression of exclusivity. When cutting-edge designs are available at one’s local Uniqlo, it becomes difficult to claim that these pieces — once markers of individuality — are truly unique anymore.

In a time where digital trends dictate what is “in” and fast fashion accelerates production and distribution, personal expression in fashion has become more about what the consumer can access than about being “uniquely you”. The digital age has also accelerated the speed at which these trends evolve, making it harder for any one style to remain “cult” for long. The individuals who originated the trend or belonged to these subcultures, lose the joy of being “uniquely you” and soon move on to the next trend. Subcultural fashion was once about constructing an identity through unique choices — clothes that represented a specific belief, group or idea. Today, that process has been shortened into digestible moments: a TikTok challenge, an influencer partnership or a viral meme. The notion of “individuality” is now framed within the context of a collective cultural moment. The challenge consumers face is how they intend to preserve individuality in a society where cultural trends feel increasingly orchestrated and how brands market this to consumers while still leveraging on market trends and maintaining profit margins.

Luxury Labels, Cult Followings & Designer Reshuffle

Another element of cult dressing in luxury fashion moves away from the underground rebellions and instead taps into an entirely different subculture — one built around an aspirational lifestyle defined by exclusivity. Designers like Jonathan Anderson and Demna tap into this niche by creating collections that attract a specific type of consumer — one who values individuality but also seeks to belong to an exclusive group. These collections embody a unique intersection of personal style and aspirational status.

Jonathan Anderson’s tenure at Loewe — marked by surreal and often bold designs — pushed the boundaries of what was traditionally accepted in high fashion and gave rise to a form of cult dressing that resonated with underground and avant-garde movements. Anderson’s use of unconventional shapes, vibrant colours and unexpected materials brought joy in freedom of expression, aligning with the themes of individuality and rebellion that cult fashion represents. Jonathan Anderson’s creative direction at Loewe exemplified another element of cult dressing — pushing the boundaries of what was considered “fashionable” and mainstream. His work brought seemingly “outlandish” aesthetics to the forefront, often blurring the lines between high fashion and art. Loewe’s bold collections — with their surreal designs, oversized silhouettes and unconventional treatment of materials — resonated with a niche, cult-like following that embraced the rebellious spirit of individuality and avant-garde fashion. As Anderson leaves Loewe in 2025, this departure signals the end of an era where cult aesthetics and non-conventional beauty were embraced by a luxury fashion house. His departure raises questions about the future of outlandish aesthetics in the mainstream, as high fashion increasingly aligns with digital virality and fast fashion trends.

Under Demna’s direction, Balenciaga cultivated a cult following, thanks to his subversive designs that often blurred the lines between high fashion and streetwear. His work resonated with a new generation seeking to challenge fashion’s traditional codes. The brand’s bold, boundary-pushing approach — coupled with its ability to offer both exclusivity (through high price points) and accessibility (through beloved staple pieces like the Triple S sneaker) — turned Balenciaga into a cultural phenomenon. Despite what some may consider a controversial tenure, Demna’s departure from Balenciaga marks the end of an era in which his unique vision transformed the brand into a symbol of both underground rebellion and aspirational luxury. His influence on Balenciaga’s evolution — from its sensationalist product releases to its cult-like appeal — was as divisive as it was marketing magic.

It is also interesting to note that Gucci — during the Alessandro Michele years — similarly honed in on its own legacy of cult status, with his gender-bending, eclectic, maximalist designs that redefined the Maison’s heritage, breaking down traditional notions of menswear resulting in collections that resonated deeply with countercultural movements. As Demna transitions to Gucci, it will be intriguing to see how he navigates and meets the demands of Gucci consumers.

For more on the latest in style and fashion reads, click here.

• Mild design tweaks don’t change the off-road Ram trucks’ capabilities
• Ram Power Wagon still has no direct competitor
• 2025 Ram Power Wagon costs $74,235 and Rebel HD costs $70,740

The competition woke up and realized there’s room to play in the heavy-duty off-road sandbox. But Ram doesn’t want to give an inch of a segment it has defined for years. 

After the introduction of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a refresh of the Ford Super Tremor for 2023, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and 2500 Rebel HD arrive with their own refresh. Both feature design and technology updates, while the Rebel gets major enhancements to its available turbodiesel engine option.

After spending time with the Power Wagon, it’s clear that it still stands alone in terms of off-road hardware in the segment, but the Rebel HD now feels significantly more competitive with its updated turbodiesel engine. However, the Rebel HD’s suspension remains punishing.

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

No Ram Power Wagon diesel, Rebel HD turbodiesel upgraded

Unlike the Silverado HD ZR2 and Ford Super Duty Tremor, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon cannot be optioned with a turbodiesel engine. At least for now, that’s what the Rebel is for.

The 2500 Power Wagon continues to be available only with a tried, true, and at this point old 6.4-liter V-8 rated at 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. It’s fine, but Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8 is more modern, more powerful, and more refined. 

The Rebel HD soldiers on with the gas V-8 as the standard engine, but it’s the optional $12,595 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel that makes Power Wagon buyers take pause. It’s not the 430-hp rating, but the 1,075 lb-ft of torque that appeals to those who buy their trucks to do work. That’s more than Chevy’s 975 lb-ft but less than Ford’s 1,200 lb-ft. The Cummins turbodiesel has been heavily revised for 2025 with a new turbocharger and intake manifold, glow plugs replacing the old grid heater, a top-loading cartridge-style oil filter, and two top-mounted fuel filters. Ram also ditched the old 6-speed automatic transmission paired with the turbodiesel and replaced it with an 8-speed automatic.

The result of these changes is noticeably quicker acceleration—Ram said 0-60 mph now takes 6.9 seconds versus the outgoing turbodiesel truck’s 8.0-second sprint—quicker cold-starts, and easier maintenance. Just like when paired with the gas V-8, the 8-speed automatic fires off quick, smooth shifts and never gets lost in the shuffle. It’s also slightly less busy than Ford’s 10-speed while towing.

2025 Ram 2500 Rebel HD

Is a turbodiesel Ram Power Wagon coming?

It might at some point. Ram Heavy Duty Chief Engineer Doug Killian told Motor Authority the team has heard loud and clear that Power Wagon buyers and owners would like a turbodiesel engine option.

Killian confirmed the substantial updates to the Cummins turbodiesel engine in no way resolved the issues that have, according to Ram, prevented the automaker from shoving the diesel engine into the Power Wagon. Those issues mainly involve the oil pan for the engine not fitting properly with the Power Wagon’s front suspension. The electronic disconnecting front sway bar gets in the way.

But the competition offers turbodiesel engines in their off-road trucks. Killian and his team are aware of the new competition and growing chorus of Power Wagon buyers asking for the engine upgrade. The executive noted there’s no engineering challenge the team couldn’t handle, it just costs money. He stopped short of confirming changes were in development for a turbodiesel in the Power Wagon. So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance.

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel HD

Power Wagon remains soft and Rebel punishing

What hasn’t changed at all is how these trucks ride. On- and off-road the 2500 Power Wagon has a borderline plush ride thanks to soft Bilstein off-road shocks designed to crawl rather than haul rocks. The 2500 Rebel? Brutal. The Rebel also has Bilstein dampers, but they are tuned much firmer than the Power Wagon’s as a compromise in the name of capability. That capability comes in the form of towing and hauling capacity. The Rebel can tow up to 17,130 pounds and haul up to 3,320 pounds with the gas V-8. Those numbers increase to 19,890 pounds for towing and decrease 2,450 pounds for payload with the turbodiesel. 

The Power Wagon still only tows up to 10,530 pounds and hauls up to 1,570 pounds because that’s not its mission in life. That allows it to ride so much better. Those softer Bilsteins pay dividends both on- and off-road for ride quality. Riding on 18-inch wheels doesn’t hurt either.

While off-roading in the Old Kingman Highway Recreational area in the desert of Nevada the two trucks set themselves apart twice. The first time was while climbing through some undulations. The Rebel lacks an electronic disconnecting front sway bar and front locker. This led to wheel spin and a wheel in the air. The Power Wagon kept its front tires on the ground and maintained traction. Both made it through the situation, but the Power Wagon did it more easily and with confidence.

2025 Ram 2500 Rebel HD

The second was on a few miles of broken gravel roads where I had no issue going much quicker than necessary (ahem) thanks to the Power Wagon’s softer suspension. I lost sight of the Rebel, who’s driver was just trying to keep their fillings securely in their teeth.

The Rebel exists because the Power Wagon couldn’t take on the towing and hauling capabilities of the Super Duty Tremor and Silverado HD ZR2. Ford equips the Super Duty Tremor to tow up to 18,200 pounds via a conventional hitch and 23,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer. It can also haul up to 4,384 pounds of payload. The Silverado HD ZR2 can tow up to 18,500 pounds and carry up to 3,397 pounds of payload, and it does all that with  advanced technology in the form of Multimatic DSSV dampers that are the most advanced shocks on a production HD pickup truck.

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

But it’s the standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, the electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and the standard winch that set the 2500 Power Wagon apart from everything else on the market. No competitor has the front locker or disconnecting front sway bar.

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel HD

2025 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel look tougher

That’s a kind way of putting it.

The front of the Ram HD lineup has been revised with updated headlights and grilles. The headlights aren’t actually taller, but they look taller because they are stacked and bisected with trim now. It looks worse in photos than in person, but it still shouldn’t be filed as an upgrade. The grilles are indeed taller, which imposes a more intimidating stance. The Power Wagon and Rebel now have grilles with bars going both horizontally and vertically. It’s a lot to take in.

While the front became busier, the rear was streamlined. The updated taillights are simpler and lose their almost sideways cattle brand turn signal design. The entire lens is now red outside of the reverse lights, and it’s aligned with the updated 2025 Ram 1500’s rear end.

The Power Wagon still rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain rubber, while the Rebel rides on 20-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain rubber. The promised 18-inch wheels that were to be available on the Rebel at its debut never arrived. Who buys 20s to go off-roading? Ram said 35- and 37-inch rubber still won’t clear the fenders of either of these trucks without rubbing. The Super Duty Tremor and Silverado HD ZR2 both come on 35s. Ford actually modified the front suspension for the 2023 update to ensure 37s would fit without rubbing on the Super Duty’s suspension.

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

2025 Power Wagon and Rebel receive minor interior updates

Anyone who’s been inside a Ram HD will feel right at home in the updated 2025 trucks. Very little has changed. That’s not a bad thing because these trucks have the nicest interiors in their segment, by a mountain pass or two.

While the 12.0-inch touchscreen remains standard, Ram now offers a 14.5-inch touchscreen upgrade in both the 2500 Rebel and Power Wagon. The larger screen incorporates what would be some hard buttons and makes them digital buttons. It seems somewhat useless, but it also harms nothing. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster stands pat, and thankfully has a turboboost gauge when the turbodiesel is equipped in the Rebel 2500 unlike the Ram 1500 with a turbocharged inline-6 gas engine.

A rather large change for 2025 is the gear selector. Every Ram HD now has a column-mounted electronic gear selector. Previously, every truck equipped with the gas engine had a dash-mounted rotary shift knob while only turbodiesel trucks had a column-mounted shifter. Ram said customer feedback—sounds like loud complaining to us—drove the change. Rejoice column shifter fans. You won.

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel HD

2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel struggle with value

The 2025 Ram Power Wagon costs $74,235 including an absurd $2,095 destination charge. That’s $4,105 more than a 2024 model for what amounts to mostly the same truck.

The story is the same with the 2025 Ram Rebel HD, which now costs $70,740 with the gas engine. That’s up $1,020 from 2024. Factor in another $12,595 for the turbodiesel, which is kind of the point of the Rebel, no?

The real issue is that a Ford Super Duty Tremor costs only $61,880 with a more modern gas engine. Slapping the $12,995 high-output turbodiesel in the Tremor brings the total to $74,305, which is about what a Rebel’s going to cost without a turbodiesel after an option or two.

Ford is severely undercutting Ram’s pricing, and really sticking it to the HD off-road pioneer once a turbodiesel’s factored into the equation. It also rides on 35s out of the box.

Despite the mildest of updates to keep pace with the fresh-face competition, Ram’s 2500 Power Wagon can still do things no competitor can, or can at least do them more easily. The Power Wagon stands alone with its hardware. The 2500 Rebel, on the other hand, has some opportunities ahead for a softer suspension, smaller wheels, and larger tires.

Ram paid for travel, lodging, and tacos in the desert for Motor Authority to bring you this first-hand review.