Padma Lakshmi, renowned author, television host, and activist, has once again proven that age is no barrier to confidence and elegance. The 54-year-old is featured in the highly anticipated 2025 Pirelli Calendar, embracing her natural beauty and redefining what it means to model in today’s world. Attending the calendar’s launch at London’s Natural History Museum, Lakshmi reflected on her experience posing in the “Refresh and Reveal” theme, captured by photographer Ethan James Green.
A Stunning Debut in the Iconic Pirelli Calendar
For the 51st edition of the Pirelli Calendar, Padma Lakshmi appears in several breathtaking images, each one celebrating her elegance and maturity. In one particularly striking shot, she’s seen partially submerged in water at Miami’s Virginia Key Beach Park, wearing a soaking-wet white tee. Another shot showcases her in a sheer, gauzy dress that drapes beautifully around her. Lakshmi’s presence in this year’s “Refresh and Reveal”-themed calendar marks her debut in the world-famous series, fulfilling a longtime dream for the former Top Chef host.
Embracing Body Positivity and Confidence
When asked about her approach to nudity in today’s culture, Lakshmi was candid, reflecting on how perspectives have shifted since her modeling career began in the 1990s. “It’s hard,” she said. “I was modeling in the 1990s, and it was much freer then.” Acknowledging the importance of the MeToo movement, she noted that some changes were necessary, but added, “I don’t think nudity is anything to be afraid of because I think a woman’s body is one of the most beautiful creations in nature.”
Lakshmi’s reflections come from a place of personal growth. She has spoken openly about how she now feels more “in command” of her body and image. “I may have 30 years ago,” she said about feeling vulnerable on camera, “but I am fully in command of my body and how I look.” Her calm, assured tone speaks volumes about her journey to embracing her appearance and feeling comfortable in her own skin.
A Legacy of Strength and Empowerment
Padma Lakshmi’s journey toward self-acceptance and confidence is inspiring for women of all ages. Throughout her career, Lakshmi has openly shared her experiences with body image, relationships, and motherhood. These candid conversations have made her an icon for embracing self-worth beyond the societal standards often placed on women, especially in the public eye.
Her experience with the Pirelli Calendar has only added to this narrative of empowerment. Reflecting on the serene pose she held in the water for one of her shots, she said, “The pose in the water is really… one of serenity. I think that’s how I feel at this point in my life.” This sentiment captures the essence of Lakshmi’s personal evolution, where beauty is no longer defined solely by physical attributes but by a state of inner peace and confidence.
Celebrating Womanhood and Inspiring Her Daughter
Lakshmi’s commitment to redefining beauty standards goes beyond her public image—she brings it home, too. Eager to share these empowering images with her 14-year-old daughter, Krishna, Lakshmi explained her desire to showcase the beauty of womanhood in all stages of life. “They’re beautiful,” she said. “I want her to see womanhood in all its stages, so I’m very free with my body at home.” This openness fosters an environment where Krishna can see beauty as a holistic concept, encompassing both physical form and inner confidence.
Lakshmi’s transparency and honesty in raising her daughter offer a refreshing look at motherhood. She aims to give Krishna a realistic yet empowering understanding of femininity and self-worth. Through her example, Lakshmi hopes to inspire her daughter and other young women to embrace themselves fully and unapologetically.
Not Lakshmi’s First Time Redefining Beauty
Padma Lakshmi’s feature in the 2025 Pirelli Calendar follows several other powerful moments in recent years where she has celebrated her body and self-acceptance. In 2023, she posed confidently for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in a seashell bikini, embracing her natural curves and showing that confidence and grace only grow with age. She also released a successful lingerie collaboration with Bare Necessities in June, further challenging society’s traditional beauty standards by showcasing her confidence in her fifties.
Reflecting on her current relationship with her body, Lakshmi told Page Six Style, “I’m more confident now, physically and otherwise… I would never go back to my 20s, even if it meant I had a body that was more fit and skinny and tight and high in all the right places.” For Lakshmi, her current stage of life feels more authentic, and she’s proudly embracing the beauty that comes with maturity.
Changing the Narrative Around Aging and Beauty
Lakshmi’s involvement in the Pirelli Calendar this year is significant not only for her but for women everywhere. Often, society imposes a timeline on beauty, suggesting that youth is synonymous with attractiveness. Lakshmi’s presence in the 2025 calendar sends a strong message that elegance and allure are timeless qualities that transcend age. Her words and actions reflect a movement toward redefining how we view aging and the beauty that accompanies it.
She isn’t the only one in the Pirelli Calendar breaking stereotypes—this year’s edition also features other boundary-pushing personalities, including Hunter Schafer, Simone Ashley, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Together, these women are reshaping the narrative around beauty, showcasing that diversity in appearance, age, and background is what truly captivates and inspires.
Empowering a New Generation to Embrace Themselves Fully
Padma Lakshmi’s journey and her bold stance on beauty and confidence continue to pave the way for a new generation of women. Her openness and authenticity inspire others to embrace their individuality without fear or shame. In a world that often focuses on youth, Lakshmi proves that strength and beauty flourish with age, offering a role model for women looking to embrace themselves in every stage of life.
By sharing her story and showcasing her own confidence, she encourages others to look beyond societal standards and embrace a more profound sense of self-worth. Lakshmi’s continued presence in media, whether through the Pirelli Calendar or other public projects, challenges stereotypes and broadens perspectives, helping create a more inclusive vision of beauty.
Conclusion: Padma Lakshmi’s Legacy of Confidence and Grace
Padma Lakshmi’s debut in the 2025 Pirelli Calendar is more than just a photoshoot; it’s a statement of strength, elegance, and the undeniable beauty of self-assuredness. Her journey from vulnerability to self-command serves as a beacon of inspiration for women worldwide, reminding them that beauty, confidence, and strength come in many forms. By embracing her natural self and sharing her vision of womanhood with the world, she redefines age-old beauty standards and sets a powerful example for future generations.
As Lakshmi continues to share her journey, she reminds us all that beauty is not confined to age or societal standards. It’s about the serenity that comes from within, the elegance that grows with time, and the confidence to be fully in command of oneself. Padma Lakshmi’s legacy is one of resilience, empowerment, and, above all, an unapologetic embrace of life at every stage.
