Lynn Ban, the talented jewelry designer, fashion icon, and beloved Bling Empire star, tragically passed away at the age of 51. Her untimely death came after a skiing accident on Christmas Eve in Aspen, which led to a brain bleed and emergency surgery. Despite her courageous fight, Lynn passed away on January 22, leaving behind her husband, Jett Kain, and their son, Sebastian, who shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram.
In his emotional tribute, Sebastian called his mom "the funniest and coolest mum I could ever ask for" and a fighter who remained strong through it all. He promised to honor her memory, saying, "I will do everything I can to make sure she is never forgotten and for her life to be celebrated as it deserves to be."
As we remember Lynn for her incredible achievements and vibrant spirit, here are 10 things you should know about her:
Who Was Lynn Ban?
1. She founded Lynn Ban Jewelry.
Lynn Ban’s eponymous jewelry line is a highly sought-after collection known for its bold, statement-making pieces. While she initially catered to a private clientele, her work gained global recognition when it graced the pages of top-tier fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Elle. Additionally, her upcoming fashion resort collection for Como Resorts will be featured across their properties, expanding her brand’s reach to new heights.
2. Her jewelry was worn by pop music royalty.
Lynn Ban’s pieces became a favorite among some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Cardi B. But it was her partnership with Rihanna that really made her fame skyrocket. After the singer wore a cuff designed by Lynn for her American Idol performance in 2012, Lynn became the go-to jewelry designer for Rihanna’s music videos, tours, and her Fenty Puma collections. Her client roster also includes other music icons like Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift.
3. She was born in Singapore.
Lynn was born in Singapore, but her family moved to the United States when she was just four years old. However, that didn’t stop her from staying connected to her roots. She proudly held on to her Singaporean citizenship despite living in New York. Lynn spoke often about her deep connection to Singapore, especially in interviews, sharing how much she cherished her annual visits to see her parents. Her story of immigration and balancing life as an Asian mother, wife, and designer was something she wanted to share with the world through her appearance on Bling Empire: New York.
4. Her father was a real estate magnate.
Lynn’s father, David Ban, was a real estate mogul, serving as the executive director of Venus Assets in Kuala Lumpur, and was the owner of the Four Seasons Place in Malaysia. His career led the family across several countries, including Hong Kong and the United States.
5. Her mother was a certified gemologist.
Lynn’s mother, Patricia, had a profound impact on her career as well. She was a GIA-certified gemologist and their shared love for shopping is what really helped nurture Lynn’s interest in fashion and jewelry.
6. She had a net worth of $5 million.
Lynn Ban was among the wealthiest cast members on Bling Empire: New York, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. This was a reflection of her successful jewelry line and her ventures in fashion. She was approached to join the show in 2021, and while initially hesitant about being filmed 24/7, she was excited to share her story with a larger audience, particularly her journey as an Asian immigrant in the fashion industry.
7. She studied art history.
Lynn’s academic background reflects her deep connection to creativity. After completing high school in Singapore, she moved back to the U.S. to study art history and literature at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Studies. Her academic path also took her to Cornell University, where she studied French literature and art history, and later to the Paris-Sorbonne University.
8. She was a fashion icon.
Lynn’s wardrobe was a curated collection of vintage couture and modern runway pieces, including standout designs from Alaïa, Chanel, Thierry Mugler, and Alexander McQueen. She was particularly known for making bold statements with her outfits, often wearing one-of-a-kind pieces from designers like Rick Owens, Balenciaga, and Maison Margiela. And no, not a single piece in her wardrobe is borrowed, she once told Women’s Wear Daily that everything in her closet is “100 percent mine.”
9. She expanded her father’s Genki Sushi franchise in New York.
Following her graduation, Lynn helped expand her father’s Genki Sushi franchise from Singapore and Hong Kong to New York. The family business faced significant setbacks, particularly after the 9/11 attacks, which led to the closure of the downtown location. Despite the challenges, Lynn's entrepreneurial spirit and determination drove her to continue building her career, and she later transitioned to focusing on her jewelry brand.
10. She is survived by her son and husband.
Lynn Ban was married to Jett Kain, her business partner for 27 years. Together, they ran Lynn Ban Jewelry, with Jett overseeing the press and marketing for the brand. According to The Mirror, the couple’s love story began when they met at a New Year’s Eve party in 1994 and later collaborated on launching the Genki Sushi franchise in the U.S. Jett was instrumental in building the brand, helping it grow into the global success it became. The two had one son, Sebastian.
Rest in power, Lynn Ban.
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