by Tragic Loss: Fashion Designer and Musician Simone Ling Passes Away
January 20, 2024.
The unexpected death of Simone Ling, a gifted fashion designer, writer, content strategist, and musician, has left the music community stunned. On January 18, 2024, Ling tragically passed away alongside her partner, renowned techno producer and DJ John Juan Mendez (Silent Servant), and collaborator Luis Vasquez (The Soft Moon). The cause of their death has yet to be officially confirmed.
Early Life and Education
Simone Ling was born in the United States on June 9, 1980. Her diverse cultural background greatly influenced her artistic journey. She excelled academically, becoming a Fulbright Scholar and serving as a senior lecturer in Story and Development at AFIT. Ling earned her master’s degree in journalism from Stanford University and a master’s degree in modern history from the University of Oxford.
Career
Ling began her career as a fashion designer, establishing her label, Parallel Distortion, in 2012. Known for her avant-garde designs that challenged societal norms of beauty and gender expression, Ling’s creations graced the pages of prestigious magazines such as Vogue Paris, Harper’s Bazaar UK, WWD China, and Elle Japan. Aside from her fashion endeavors, Ling was also an accomplished content creator. Utilizing her skills, she produced engaging videos on various social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube. Ling shared her insights on fashion trends, personal style tips, cultural diversity, social justice issues, and mental health awareness. Her Instagram account boasted a following of over 500k, where she showcased stunning photos of herself wearing her designs.
Furthermore, Ling was a multi-talented musician, proficient in playing various instruments such as the piano, guitar, violin, flute, saxophone, trumpet, drums, bass guitar, and synthesizer. She collaborated with artists across different genres, including techno, indie rock, electronic dance, and ambient music. Ling released several albums under her name or in collaboration with Silent Servant, including Love’s Kitchen, They, Mosquita y Mari, The Soft Moon, and Silent Editions. She also performed live at numerous venues worldwide, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances.
Husband & Kids
Ling’s deep connection with John Juan Mendez (the silent servant) began in 2008 when they met at a party in Los Angeles. Their shared passion for music and art sparked an instant connection, leading to a robust and devoted relationship. Ling and Mendez supported each other’s careers and frequently collaborated on various projects. They were a highly influential couple in the techno scene, earning praise from fans and critics. In addition to her partnership with Mendez, Ling collaborated with Luis Vasquez (The Soft Moon), a fellow musician and member of Silent Servant’s Jealous God label. Together, they created remarkable songs such as “The End of Time,” “Black Sun,” “White Moon,” and “Red Sky.” Ling, Mendez, and Vasquez shared a vision for crafting atmospheric and emotionally charged music that explored themes of love, loss, nostalgia, and spirituality.
Legacy
Simone Ling leaves a profound and lasting legacy beyond her contributions to music and fashion. She served as an inspiration for countless individuals and was admired for her courage and authenticity in self-expression. Ling was a tireless advocate for diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, utilizing her platform to raise awareness about critical issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, mental health stigma, climate change, and human rights violations. Her tragic and untimely passing has left her fans devastated, mourning the loss of a genuinely talented artist. The impact of Ling’s artistry and activism will continue to reverberate within the music community and beyond.
“Simone Ling was a shining star in the fashion and music worlds. Her bold creativity and unwavering commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark. She will be sorely missed.” Sarah Thompson.
“Simone Ling’s music transported me to another world. Her talent was unparalleled, and her loss is immeasurable. Rest in peace, Simone.” Michael Roberts
“We have lost an incredible artist and advocate. Simone Ling’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” Emily Johnson. .
This news article is intended for informative purposes only and should not be considered a death report—obituary notice.
