Lynn Ban, the dazzling jewelry designer and Netflix star on Bling Empire: New York, was a force of nature—a blend of relentless ambition, avant-garde style, and deep family devotion. Born in Singapore on May 27, 1973, Lynn embodied the global spirit of a woman who didn’t just live life; she owned it.
Her passing on January 20, 2025, at the age of 52, after a tragic skiing accident in Aspen, has left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her or admired her work. Her journey was one of reinvention, grit, and a magnetic charm that even celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé couldn’t resist.
Lynn Ban’s Jewelry Empire: Behind Her Multi-Million Dollar Brand
Lynn Ban’s net worth was reported at $5 million prior to her tragic death in January 2025, though her wealth extended far beyond finances. It was reflected in her relationships, her profound impact on the fashion and jewelry world, and her unapologetic approach to life—qualities that began to shape during her childhood.
Lynn’s early exposure to ambition and luxury came from her family roots. Her father, David Ban, was a real estate magnate, known for his role as the executive director of Venus Assets and the owner of the Four Seasons Place in Malaysia. Her mother, Patricia, was a gemologist and fashion designer, influencing Lynn’s eventual love affair with jewelry and haute couture.
Though Lynn left Singapore with her family when she was just four years old, her identity as a Singaporean always stayed close to her heart. She proudly carried her Singaporean passport and frequently visited her homeland to spend time with her parents.
Her journey into the arts was equally global. Lynn pursued an education in art history and literature across three prestigious institutions: New York University, Cornell University, and Paris-Sorbonne University. But her initial foray into the business world was far from jewelry—it was sushi. Lynn launched a Genki Sushi franchise in New York in the late 1990s, following in her father’s entrepreneurial footsteps. Unfortunately, the franchise suffered devastating losses during the 9/11 attacks, forcing her to sell the business. This setback, however, proved to be a turning point.
In 2002, Lynn channeled her love for fashion into Lynn Ban Vintage, a collection of high-end couture sold at Barneys New York. Specializing in rare 1960s to 1980s Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino pieces, her store quickly became a hit among fashion enthusiasts. Pop-ups in Harvey Nichols, London, and Celux, Tokyo, followed. But Lynn’s restlessness and creative spirit led her to shut down the vintage business in 2011 to focus on something even more personal: custom jewelry design.
That same year, Lynn launched her eponymous jewelry line, a brand that screamed boldness and individuality. Barneys, Net-a-Porter, Dover Street Market, and Matchesfashion.com quickly picked up her collection, and it wasn’t long before celebrities began to take notice.
The moment that catapulted her into the limelight came in 2012 when Rihanna wore one of her cuffs during an American Idol performance. From there, Lynn became the go-to designer for the likes of Beyoncé, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Post Malone. She even collaborated on pieces for Rihanna’s Fenty Puma line, cementing her place as a favorite among A-list musicians.
Her jewelry wasn’t just an accessory; it was a statement. Much like Lynn herself, her designs were audacious, edgy, and unapologetic. Lynn’s creativity mirrored her impeccable personal style, which was a mix of vintage treasures and modern runway pieces from Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga. She once boasted to Women’s Wear Daily that she owned every piece in her wardrobe—a collection that was as eclectic and fearless as she was.
Glitz, Glam, and Gone Too Soon: Remembering Lynn Ban
In 2022, Lynn took her charisma to the screen, starring in Bling Empire: New York, a spin-off of the popular Netflix series. Though hesitant at first about being filmed 24/7, Lynn joined the cast with her signature mix of excitement and skepticism. The show, which aired in early 2023, gave fans an inside look at her glamorous life in New York City, where she lived with her husband, Jett Kain, and their son, Sebastian. Jett, a former MTV producer and her business partner, was instrumental in building her brand and managing its publicity. Meanwhile, Sebastian, a teenager studying in London, was the light of her life.
Despite her glamorous exterior, Lynn’s life was not without its challenges. The ski accident that ultimately claimed her life on Christmas Eve 2024 was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change. What began as a seemingly minor tumble on the slopes of Aspen turned into a life-altering ordeal. Lynn initially felt fine and even skied to the bottom of the mountain, but a precautionary visit to the hospital revealed a brain bleed. She underwent an emergency craniotomy, and though she appeared to be recovering, the complications proved too great.
Her passing prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from celebrities and fans alike. Rihanna called Lynn her “fairy godmother,” while Bling Empire co-stars Nam Laks and Dorothy Wang described her as a “bad*ss” and a “ray of light.” Lynn’s son Sebastian shared a heartfelt Instagram post, calling her his “best friend” and the “funniest and coolest mum.” The loss was profound, but Lynn’s legacy lives on through her family, her dazzling designs, and the lives she touched.
