On a chilly October day, I found myself in a studio-turned-art-gallery in midtown Manhattan to talk with Padma Lakshmi about a “bucket list” modeling gig she recently landed.
Our interview began with friendly talk about the weather, a conversation that New Yorkers are all too familiar with. But as we began to delve deeper into the details of her latest career move—a feature in Pirelli’s 2025 calendar—our conversation turned to one about aging and body acceptance, fueled by the themes of the new fashion calendar: nudity and beauty.
Entitled “Refresh and Discover,” the 51st edition of the calendar—photographed by Ethan James Green and styled by Tonne Goodman—marks a return to the project’s past themes of sensuality, but in a way that’s refreshing, personal, and beautifully objectified. It also stars John Boyega, Jodie-Turner Smith, Hunter Schafer, Vincent Cassel, Simone Ashley and Jung Ho-yeon.
“I’ll tell you, I personally didn’t feel that vulnerable,” Lakshmi, 54, tells PEOPLE of her photos of herself modeling in a see-through tank top in the middle of historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami. “I may have been 30 years ago, but I am in complete control of my body and my appearance.”
Padma Lakshmi Goes Barely Naked for Glamorous Pirelli Calendar Shoot: ‘Bulletin Item’
Pirelli Calendar 2025 Ethan James Green.
Ethan James Green
The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!
On the set, Lakshmi felt like she was in “good hands”, surrounded by a team that gave her space to feel comfortable during the shoot.
The process of hitting the perfect shot with the green was an unforgettable moment for her. “I asked three of his assistants to carry this huge piece of driftwood and it looked heavier than it was. I had the security detail to help and I had Ethan to accommodate me.”
Lakshmi continues, “I was really so happy to be a part of it and I felt beautiful. I felt cared for. I felt safe. I felt elegant. The water pose is really… it’s peaceful. I think that I feel at this moment in my life, and it’s a great feeling, which I haven’t always had.”
Lakshmi was so excited about the pictures that she said she didn’t hesitate to share them with her 14-year-old daughter Krishna as soon as she got them. “I am very happy to show her these photos. They are beautiful. I want her to see femininity in all its phases, so I’m very free with my body at home. I’m also very honest and open with her, but I’ve always been in an age-appropriate way.”
Padma Lakshmi Was Adamant About Not Photoshopping Her Stretch Marks And Scar In New Underwear Ads (Exclusive)
While Lakshmi is currently at peace with her life, she also “feels great” in her 50s, a decade that ushered in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, underwear collection and campaign with Bare Necessities (also shot by my Green) and release The best American food and travel books for 2024a collection of essays she edited.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I’m here to tell younger women that they shouldn’t be afraid of aging. There is no need to fear that time is running out. You should know that it gets better and better and better because you learn from life. You get experienced,” she says.
“I wouldn’t go back to my 20s if you made me a billionaire. Would I like my 20s thighs? Of course I would. I’d also like to have my pre-nursing boobs back, but that’s okay. Those are small prices to pay for what I’ve gained in the meantime, so I’m going to enjoy my success as much as I can because it was hard to get here.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education