All About Lynn Ban, Singaporean Jewellery Extraordinaire
In an interview with jeweller to the stars Lynn Ban, we find out about the inspiration behind her glamorous brand, and why it holds such wide appeal
Before she burst onto our screens in Bling Empire: New York, jeweller extraordinaire Lynn Ban was already making a name with her eponymous line, thanks to her edgy fashion-led pieces. It’s no wonder as Ban, who studied art history and French literature at Cornell, and used to run Lynn Ban Vintage—an expertly curated collection of couture and high fashion pieces from brands like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent—has always had a sharp eye for style and all that is au courant. In an interview with us, Ban who was born in Singapore, but left the country as a young child shares about her jewellery line, famous customers and who the Lynn Ban woman (or man) is.
How did you start your brand and what is your brand ethos?
Lynn Ban: So I started Lynn Ban, my own jewellery line, in 2011. I had always been designing jewellery for myself, because there were things I wanted that didn’t exist. And I love the creative process. So I made 10 pieces for myself and they were really well-received by some speciality stores. And organically that launched my business. My brand ethos is to design something that solicits a reaction. So either you love it or hate it, but I never want someone to be like, “Meh, it’s just mediocre.”
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Photo: Courtesy of Lynn Ban
Silver and diamond Sonic ear cuff, Lynn Ban.
What is the jewellery designing process like for you? What are some of your inspirations?
LB: I don’t have any formal training, so my creative process is more visual. For myself, being a collector of vintage, I do take things that I’ve seen from the past, and kind of reinterpret them into something that’s interesting, relevant and timeless in design. I can speak about the pieces that I’m wearing today. This is my Gash cuff. I was inspired by armour and a kind of mediaeval yet futuristic reference—such as the Terminator. I’m also inspired by movies, music, videos, books and historical references, basically anything that kind of strikes me. With this particular piece, I wanted to see what it would look like to slash through armour, but then have diamonds in the gash.
A lot of celebrities, from Rihanna to Lady Gaga, have worn your designs. What are your thoughts on that?
LB: I’ve been so fortunate working with all these great artists that you mentioned. Lady Gaga is always an inspiration with her bold style and fashion-forward choices. The brand has also been fortunate to work with new artists when they first started out, like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. In Billie Eilish’s Apple documentary which came out years after it was filmed and had covered that particular tour, there are so many scenes where she’s just covered in my jewellery. I just love the range of artists that my jewellery appeals to. And that’s just really satisfying as a designer.
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Photo: Courtesy Lynn Ban
Silver and diamond Snake lariat necklace, Lynn Ban
Who is the Lynn Ban client?
LB: The Lynn Ban client is a strong, independent, man or woman who’s not afraid to make a statement. My clientele is not afraid to kind of pile it on and just be out there and not give a care. At the same time, wearing just one statement piece can be equally strong. My clients can and will buy a Lynn Ban piece for themselves—they don’t have to ask their husband before making a purchase.
Which current piece of yours is getting a lot of wear?
LB: My Armour ring, which started off as just a plain silver sculptural ring—kind of like a shield, but very ergonomic—and it just sits down on your knuckle. It came out in full pavé incarnations after that, but I just love the simplicity of it.