During New York Fashion Week on Feb. 11, 2025, Danielle and Brigette Pheloung were spotted by photographers from Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty. Recently, TikTok has been abuzz with a debate over which online creators are worth watching, with a particular focus on New York City. The controversy started when a user, @MartiniFeeny, expressed frustration over the lack of variety among influencers in the concrete jungle, labeling them as “carbon copies” of each other due to their similar fashion choices and jewelry.
This critique led to a viral response from Bridgette Pheloung, also known as Acquired Style, who posted a video that was later deleted, implying the criticism was directed at her. This incident sparked discussions about the validity of the initial rant and raised questions about the definition of a “boring” NYC influencer and whether it’s fair to call them out for their lack of originality.
The ongoing online drama has prompted conversations about who should be considered a “boring” influencer in NYC and whether it’s acceptable to criticize them for producing similar content. For those interested in the unfolding TikTok saga, here is a breakdown of the events that triggered the New York City influencer debate and the key players involved.
In their shared life, Bridgette and Danielle go beyond mere fashion statements, as they revealed in September that they share underwear and have only one bra between them. They are often seen together at events and on brand trips with other influencers in their niche of diary-style vlogging. Halley Kate, 24, shares a similar bouncy blonde hairdo with the Pheloungs and provides glimpses into her daily life in NYC. Despite facing some less glamorous moments, such as a viral incident where she was randomly punched on the street, Halley is a notable figure in the TikTok community.
Adding to the mix of New York City influencers is Kit Keenan, a former contestant on The Bachelor and daughter of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley. Like her peers, Kit is recognized for sharing her workout routines, hair care tips, favorite recipes, and “get ready with me” videos before exclusive events.
The New York City influencers debate has sparked discussions on TikTok. Bridget expressed surprise at the impact of her video, initially thinking it wouldn’t cause a stir with her small following. However, the video garnered over 2.2 million views, and her comment section is now filled with users sharing their opinions on their favorite and least favorite NYC influencers.
Sarah Torkornoo, known as @SarahFromNewYork on TikTok, chimed in with her perspective as a native New Yorker, criticizing the influx of influencers whom she finds boring. She highlighted the lack of representation of authentic native New Yorkers in the mainstream influencer scene, attributing the monotony to the consistent platforming of affluent suburban white women.
Following Bridget’s lead, other TikTokers joined the conversation, offering their own insights and experiences. Some NYC creators differentiated themselves from the generalizations, while others delved into debates over individual behaviors and interactions within the influencer community.
Olivia Joan, a popular creator with around 292,000 followers, shared a story in response, recounting a negative encounter with an unnamed influencer at a brand dinner. She commended the ongoing conversation about influencers, particularly in NYC, expressing her belief that people are beginning to see through the facades of these personalities.
Olivia shared in a recent post that during a conversation, someone told her she didn’t have enough followers for something to be true. This left Olivia feeling upset, prompting her to confide in her best friend and consider quitting. She expressed disappointment in encountering individuals who act differently online compared to how they treat smaller creators like herself in person. Olivia mentioned that this was not the first time she experienced such behavior and noted that the influencer in question now acts as though they have never met, despite previous interactions at events. Source: People magazine.
