Zhang Chun Chinese fashion influencer dies suddenly at 29
Chinese fashion and lifestyle influencer Zhang Chun has died suddenly at the age of 29, shocking the fashion community and millions of her followers around the world. Zhang, who was known online by her handle Ni Du Kou and nicknamed the “Sneaker Goddess” for her popular sneaker-centric fashion content, passed away in early January after suffering a health crisis that family members say was linked to heart-related complications. Her death was confirmed by her mother following a private funeral and cremation held in Shanghai on January 12, 2026.
Zhang rose to fame in 2018 through her unique blend of streetwear and high-fashion style, which attracted more than a million followers on platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu. Her carefully curated visuals and commentary on sustainable fashion distinguished her from many peers in China’s fast-moving online fashion scene. Beyond fashion posts, she also engaged in entertainment activities and hip-hop events as her profile grew.
In recent years, Zhang’s life and career faced significant challenges. After her self-started fashion label encountered financial failure, she struggled with emotional stress. In 2024, she joined an adult content platform in a bid to manage debts, a move that drew intense criticism and online harassment, and reportedly took a toll on her wellbeing. During a livestream in 2025, she also shared that she had been diagnosed with syphilis, a health issue that was visible to her fans and added to her struggles with stigma and stress.
Her mother described Zhang’s passing as “sudden” and unexpected, noting that her longstanding heart condition and a lifestyle characterised by late nights may have contributed to her health deteriorating so rapidly. Despite being rushed to hospital in early January, Zhang could not be saved, leaving a legacy that goes beyond fashion and into deeper discussions about the pressures faced by influencers and young public figures working in highly demanding digital environments.
Tributes from fans, fellow creators and fashion lovers have poured in on social media, with many remembering her creativity, authenticity and influence on contemporary Chinese style culture. Her early death has also sparked conversations about mental health, online abuse and the human cost behind curated social media lives.
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