Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Who Gets to Own a Meme?

Multiple people applied to trademark the viral phrase “very demure, very mindful,” bringing into focus the question of who gets to capitalise on cultural moments.
Jools Lebron making a peace sign
Jools Lebron's viral TikTok phrase "very demure, very mindful" is facing a legal battle. (Jools Lebron/Shutterstock)

This past month, there’s been no higher compliment than “very demure, very mindful.”

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

Further Reading

The Life Cycle of a Viral Fashion Trend

BoF explains why online trends from cottagecore and quiet luxury to barbiecore and coastal grandmother bubble up and spread out — and how brands can find their footing in the fast-moving, jumbled space.

About the author
Yola Mzizi
Yola Mzizi

Yola Mzizi is the Editorial Associate at The Business of Fashion (BoF). She is based in New York and provides operational support to the New York team and writes features for BoF and The Business of Beauty.

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Marketing
How new technologies and cultural shifts are rewiring fashion communications.

The Long, Slow Death of Sponsored Content

While pay-for-play on creators’ feeds isn’t going away entirely, the #ad is no longer the cornerstone of social media marketing that it once was. Some brands are taking a new approach they hope will feel more like an extension of creators’ relationships with their followers.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.
VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON