Padma Lakshmi strips down for glamorous Pirelli Calendar shoot: ‘Totally at home in my own skin’
Forget “Top Chef” — she’s a top model!
After Pirelli revealed on Instagram that Padma Lakshmi would be among the stars featured in its annual calendar, the TV host posted a few behind-the-scenes videos from the sultry shoot.
The Instagram series showed the 53-year-old star posing in a gauzy sheer gown, popping her leg as she covered her chest and a crew member fanned her hair.
Additional clips show Lakshmi waist-deep in water, clad in a soaking wet white blouse.
She’s also seen strolling along the beach in a white robe between takes.
“A while ago you may remember I went to Miami for a secret project. Well I can finally reveal that it was to SHOOT THE PIRELLI CALENDAR!!” the “Top Chef” host wrote in her caption, making sure to shout out this year’s photographer, Ethan James Green.
Lakshmi noted that it has always been a dream of hers to appear in the Pirelli Calendar, which has featured A-listers like Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams and Nicole Kidman in past editions.
“The @pirelli calendar is iconic and when I was modeling in Italy in the 90s I’d always wondered what it would be like to be photographed for it,” she continued. “I can’t believe I finally got to tick off a major bucket list item for the 25 year old me. Better late than never!!!”
In the photos, the “Love, Loss, and What We Ate” author sports dewy, natural makeup and has her hair in loose curls — and shouted out the talented team behind her glam.
“Thank you Pirelli for making a dream come true and thank you to the amazing glam team: @tonnegood , @fulviafarolfi , @lucas.a.wilson for making me feel not only safe and cared for, but also beautiful, womanly and totally at home in my own skin.
“I’m glad I waited until now to do it because I appreciate it so much more,” Lakshmi continued, before closing with a few words of wisdom.
“Ladies don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s too late. Your best life and work could just be ahead of you. It’s how I’ve been feeling lately and I hope the same for you.”
The statement echoes one Lakshmi recently shared when starring in her Bare Necessities lingerie campaign.
“I’m more confident now, physically and otherwise,” the model admitted. “And 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 and high in all the right places. You know, I look OK now!”
Lakshmi, of course, isn’t the only famous face that will appear in the 2025 Pirelli calendar.
The brand also shared beachy shots of Hunter Schafer, Simone Ashley and Jodie Turner-Smith in its announcement post.
We can’t wait to see the final product!
