Chinese Fashion Influencer Zhang Chun Dies at 29

Chinese fashion influencer Zhang Chun, better known online as Ni De Du Kou, has died suddenly at the age of 29. Her death was confirmed by her mother following her funeral held on Monday.

According to her family, Zhang passed away after experiencing complications related to a pre-existing heart condition, as reported by Daily Mail. Her mother noted that Zhang’s longtime habit of staying up late may have worsened her health. She reportedly fell ill in the early hours of January 1 and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors were unable to revive her.

Zhang first rose to fame in 2018 after posting photos of herself pairing sneakers with fashionable outfits—a style that earned her the nickname “Sneaker Goddess.” Her fresh and youthful aesthetic helped her stand out in China’s fashion and streetwear scene, amassing an online following of more than one million.

Over time, she diversified her career, appearing at hip-hop events and collaborating with brands in the urban fashion industry. However, Zhang later faced difficulties when her self-founded fashion label folded, leaving her with heavy debts and emotional strain.

In 2024, she drew widespread criticism after joining an adult content platform to cope with financial troubles. The move resulted in a sharp decline in followers and ongoing online harassment.

Zhang was cremated in Shanghai on Monday. Since news of her passing broke, tributes have flooded social media from fans and fellow creatives commemorating her role in shaping China’s youth fashion and sneaker culture.