What's In My Bag: Singaporean Jewellery Designer And Fashion Fanatic Lynn Ban

What you choose to carry around can say a lot about you. In this video series, we look into the bags of personalities, style stars and models to find out the stories behind their personal items and valued possessions.

In this episode of ‘What’s in My Bag’, Lynn Ban—jewellery designer, fashion fanatic and reality TV star—reveals the contents of her ALAÏA bag and shares the essentials she never leaves home without, including her cat-eye sunglasses, tweezers, nail glue, and her credit card.

Watch on and scroll through to find out more about Ban's namesake jewellery label, her style evolution, and what she loves about Singapore.

What are 3 things to know about Lynn Ban?

I like to dance (I dance every day). I don't know how to ride a bicycle. I don't speak Mandarin but I speak French.

Related article: Get To Know Local Fashionista Lynn Ban Of ‘Bling Empire: New York’

Tell us about your eponymous fine jewellery label. What is your brand ethos and why did you first decide to start your own jewellery line?

I started Lynn Ban Jewelry in 2011. I had always designed jewellery for myself but there were things that didn't exist I love the creative process, so I made ten pieces and they were really well-received by specialty stores. Organically, that launched my business. My brand ethos is to design something that solicits a reaction in you—either you love it or hate it—but I never want someone to go 'mehh', like it's just mediocre.

Take us through your jewellery-creation and -making process.

For me, not having any formal training in jewellery-making and like many designers who don't necessarily cut a pattern, the creative process is more visual. Being a collector of vintage things, I reimagine what I've seen from the past into something I think is interesting, relevant and timeless. I'm wearing my Gash cuff inspired by medieval armour and futuristic Terminator references. With this particular piece, I wanted to see what it would look like if I slash through an armour, but embed diamonds in what resembles a jagged wound.

Related article: Check Out These Singapore Gen Z Brands Making In-Your-Face Accessories

You became a celebrity in your own right earlier this year as a main cast member in Bling Empire: New York. What has that experience been like?

It was surprisingly a really great experience! I've done interviews and photoshoots but being on an unscripted reality show, I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know if I was going to get stage fright or clam up. It came at a time after my business had to take a pause because of COVID, so I was able to explain that and also showcase my transitioning into designing ready-to-wear when I did the resort collection in conjunction with COMO resorts. It was a great platform to share not only my professional but also personal life.

I loved seeing my fashion in daily life on different occasions; it was filmed over a period of 3 months. My love of fashion encompasses new and vintage, so it was fun seeing it all in one body of work.

Is there anything you've learnt about yourself in the process?

I learnt that I'm not as shy—I mean, maybe that's one of the things that people don't know about me. They know the Instagram me, you know, as that flamboyant person, but I am actually kind of shy (laughs).

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Why do you love fashion? How did you discover your passion for fashion?

I love fashion because it's transformative. You become a different character, not just when you're dressing up but even when you're exercising or when you're going on a trip. When I'm going to say, the English countryside, I think, 'I want to bring this McQueen or this Westwood' and I have a personal memo. I'm not shooting an editorial (laughs) but this is how I want to look or feel and fashion enables me to do that. I think fashion is also an armour; it empowers you.

As for where my love for fashion came from, it was definitely my mom. Growing up, she was always into fashion; she studied fashion design. I remember the first time she we went to Paris and she brought me to Chanel—that was such a clear image in my mind. The thing that I bought is very telling, too—it wasn't just a little bag. I wanted the big name plate motorcycle belt (laughs). This was the '90s, and it was my first Chanel purchase, which I still have till this day!

Has your style evolved through the years? What are you currently into?

When I had access to show looks my style became a little more flamboyant, but it's always been really strong. I've been wearing Rick Owens and ALAÏA from the beginning when they started, and I'm still wearing Rick Owens and ALAÏA (laughs). Rick Owens just gets better and better each year, and I love what Pieter Mulier is doing with ALAÏA right now. Today, I'm dressed like a dominatrix and that's my character but I feel great. I love exercising and work hard on my body; wearing ALAÏA brings out that sexiness.

Related article: Meet Christine Chiu, Queen Of Couture And Producer Of ‘Bling Empire’

What are your thoughts on the influence of social media on fashion?

I think it's great. It exposes and educates people on brands they hadn't known about or things they hadn't thought about, but also trends that organically come about, from street fashion to high fashion.

What is a prized possession of yours?

One of my favourite pieces is an Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture; he was there for a really brief period in the late '90s. It's this incredible, fully beaded mermaid dress—it was one of the dresses featured in the Met Museum—that is a precious piece of art. I wore it to a black tie event and I have a memory of it. It has a life and might have another life when another event comes up.

Related article: 10 Local Designers Tell Us Why They Love Singapore

What do you love about Singapore? What’s your favourite thing to do when you're back?

I love that Singapore has become this incredible, international hub of finance, the arts, fashion, hospitality, the best restaurants.. Everyone says the food and obviously it's one of the top things but I think it's so cool that Singapore is high-low. You can get the best meal at the hawker centre but also a Michelin-star meal here, and you get to experience all cultures and people. There's great creatives here and the arts scene is so interesting; I check out the museums and local stores when I have more time to explore. I love it every time I come back because it's just always evolving. I come back once or twice a year but am planning to spend more time in Singapore!

What’s your favourite local dish?

Hae mee (prawn noodles), chicken rice, there's so many... or chai tow kway (carrot cake). I'm eating like six times a day (laughs). I stay with my parents and the other day my mom bought fu chok (gingko barley dessert) and that brought back childhood memories.

Creative Director: Windy Aulia 
Digital Content Manager: Navin Pillay
Videographer: Lawrence Teo
Hair: Grego
Makeup: Rina Sim
Story: Shermin Ng
Special thanks: Nobu at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore