By Dayo Ade Olusola | M10news | Celebrity| 2, August 2025
Television host and author Padma Lakshmi has stunned fans by sharing a series of striking bikini photos, while opening up about the realities of her changing body and the confidence that comes with age.
The 54-year-old “Taste the Nation” star posted a vibrant carousel to Instagram on Thursday, modelling a hot pink string bikini while vacationing in the Hamptons. The photos, which capture her lounging by the ocean, radiate ease and empowerment.
Padma Lakshmi
One clip features Lakshmi affectionately cuddling a tiny chihuahua as the sun sets behind her, the breeze ruffling her floral beach wrap. In another image, the former “Top Chef” judge stands confidently in the neon swimwear, her signature wavy hair cascading over her shoulders.
The post, captioned only with a sunshine emoji, quickly drew admiration from her followers.
“That lady hasn’t lost her touch in decades now,” one commenter wrote. “Wow, Padma, love it.” Others called her a “golden goddess” and a “flawless queen of summer.”
Lakshmi’s appearance in the bold swimwear
Lakshmi’s appearance in the bold swimwear came days after she spoke candidly about one of the lesser-discussed effects of perimenopause — an unexpected change in her bra size.
In an interview with Forbes last month, Lakshmi revealed that her breasts grew significantly in her mid-40s, with her cup size increasing from a 34C to a 36DD. “Nobody told me that your boobs get huge,” she said with characteristic candour.
She went on to explain that shopping for lingerie had become a frustrating experience, as many options in her new size felt “matronly” and lacked the sexiness she preferred. The experience inspired her to co-design her first lingerie collection with Bare Necessities, targeting women who, like her, wanted supportive yet stylish options in larger sizes.
“My tastes were the same,” she said, “but the bras available in my new size were covered-up.” The collection, she added, was meant to fill a gap in the market — both functionally and aesthetically.
The “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” alum emphasised that the transformation of her body didn’t diminish her desire to feel confident and attractive. “As we’re living longer and more fuller lives,” she said, “we want to look great as we age.”
“I don’t want to look like a 23-year-old,” she added. “I want to look like the best version of me.”
In a separate interview with Page Six Style, the mother-of-one further reflected on how her confidence has evolved. Despite the societal pressure women face around ageing, Lakshmi said she feels more assured than ever.
“I’m more confident now — physically and otherwise,” she said.
Asked whether she would trade her current self for a younger version, Lakshmi didn’t hesitate. “I would never go back to my 20s,” she said, “even if it meant I had a body that was more fit and skinny and tight and high in all the right places.”
“You know, I look OK now!” she added, laughing.
Her advice to women navigating similar changes was simple but powerful: self-empathy. “Give yourself the empathy you would show your best girlfriend,” she said. “Show yourself the same grace you would afford to somebody you love.”
Lakshmi’s message arrives at a time when more women are calling for open dialogue about menopause, ageing, and body image. Her transparency — and style — serve as reminders that confidence isn’t reserved for youth.
And judging by the overwhelming support in her comments, fans agree: Padma Lakshmi is ageing not only gracefully, but boldly.
