Lynn Ban

Lynn Ban ( May 27, 1972 – January 20, 2025) was a Singaporean jewelry designer who was noted for her unconventional designs. She starred in Bling Empire: New York, a reality show on Netflix. Her clients included Rihanna and Beyoncé. Other musical artists who wore her statement pieces included Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, and many others.

Vogue described her jewelry collection as "a favorite of pop icons because of its unique rebellious and rock-and-roll vibe", often featuring in fashion shoots to signal "that their wearers were tough, unapologetic, and unafraid of the world". Recurring motifs in her edgy jewelry pieces included ancient armor, beetles, bullets, crosses, handcuffs, razors, thorns, and sickle blades.

Early life and education Born in Singapore, Lynn Ban first moved to the United States at age 4. At the time, her father David Ban was a banker at Chase Manhattan Bank. Her mother Patricia Ban was a former secretary. She studied art history and literature at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University, She also spent two years at Sorbonne University in Paris. One of her most iconic pieces included the sculpted silver Armor ring, worn stacked to resemble armor.

Ban collaborated with her on custom jewelry for Rihanna's Fenty x Puma collection, which debuted in 2016. In February 2018, The Adventurine called out Fenty x Puma for "the coolest jewelry" at New York Fashion Week, noting Rihanna's collaboration with Ban on "the collection of big, bold colorful baubles, that also maintained a sporty vibe". They became close, with Rihanna referring to Ban as her "fairy godmother". When asked what type of woman inspired her, Ban cited Rihanna, saying, "She's my type: empowered, strong, and dangerous." One of the first handbags was a limited-edition evening minaudière featuring a heavy gold bullion bar and doubling as a necklace. The collection was a partnership with COMO Hotels and Resorts, which carried the line at 12 resort shops in locations such as Bali, The Maldives, Parrot Cay, and Phuket.

Ban was in a skiing accident in the Aspen Highlands on December 24, 2024, and underwent an emergency craniotomy after a CT scan revealed a brain bleed. On December 30, 2024, she shared photos of herself in the hospital on Instagram, explaining that she had "face planted" on a ski slope while wearing a helmet, and wrote, "And in the blink of an eye ... life can change."

According to an Instagram post by her son three weeks later, Ban died on January 20, 2025. Her husband found her unconscious and unresponsive that afternoon at their home in New York City.