Lynn Ban, ‘Bling Empire’ star, dies at 51Lynn Ban, a jewelry designer and cast member on the Netflix reality series “Bling Empire: New York,” has died at the age of 51, her family announced on Wednesday. “My mum passed away on Monday,” Ban’s son, Sebastian, wrote in a post on her verified Instagram, accompanied by a series of family photos. “I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her.”
Late last month, Ban had shared details about a skiing accident she experienced during a family trip to Aspen, Colorado.
Christmas Eve on a beautiful sunny day in Aspen on vacation with my family, I had a ski accident that would change my life. At the top of the mountain, I caught a tip and face-planted,” she wrote. “Luckily, I always wear a helmet.
It didn’t seem that bad at the time, and I was able to ski to the bottom. Erring on the side of caution, I wanted to get checked out by ski patrol for a concussion. They assessed me and I was cleared.”
However, a paramedic suggested she go to the hospital for a scan, which she said “saved my life.”
“I went in a taxi with [her son] Jett, and within 30 minutes, they told us I had a brain bleed and needed to be airlifted to the trauma hospital,” she continued.
“Last thing I remember was being intubated and waking up after an emergency craniotomy with [her husband] Jett by my side.”
Ban was a native of Singapore who lived and worked in New York, London, and Paris. She was widely recognized by stylists and editors, and her jewelry had been featured in major fashion publications, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, V Magazine, and W Magazine.
Lynn Ban remembered by family
Her pieces were worn by influential artists and style icons such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone. In a 2023 interview, Ban expressed her deep love for the fashion industry. “Fashion is my passion and my creative outlet—whether I’m designing something or reinventing myself through a look,” she said.
“I love becoming a character through my style.”
Rihanna commented on Ban’s Instagram post about her death, writing, “This is too much!!! Lynn, you will always be our fairy godmother! Love you forever and always! Can’t believe I’m writing this in a comment section rn! Thank you for all the joy you brought to us!”
Viewers of “Bling Empire: New York” saw Ban at work and with her family and husband, Jett Kain. She spoke highly of her partnership with Kain, calling it instrumental to her success in the fashion world. “We are partners in every aspect of our lives—both professional and personal,” she told Vogue Singapore.
On the announcement of her passing, her son wrote, “Many of you followed my mum but never got the chance to know her or meet her in person. She was and always will be my best friend, the best mother to me, and someone who cared for all. She always had a smile on her face even when times were tough during her recovery process.
She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know. She was the funniest and coolest mum I could ever ask for.” He added, “Although she may be gone now, 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.”
“Bling Empire: New York” focused on the lives of a group of wealthy friends living in the city. Netflix has been contacted for comment.