Influencer Aesthetic Dispute Resolves by Voluntarily Dismissal

What has become known as the “Sad Beige Lawsuit” ended on May 28, 2025, when influencer Sydney Nicole Gifford (“Gifford”) voluntarily dismissed all claims against fellow influencer Alyssa Sheil (“Sheil”) with prejudice. The suit highlights the growing tension between traditional intellectual property law and social media influencer created content, posing the novel question—does copyright law protect against alleged “copying” of a personal “aesthetic” or “vibe”? In April 2024, Gifford filed a complaint in the Western District of Texas for copyright infringement and trade dress infringement, ac