Padma Lakshmi, 54, is making waves not just for her stunning vacation photos but for her refreshingly honest conversation about aging. The “Taste the Nation” host recently shared photos in a hot pink bikini from the Hamptons, but it’s her candid discussion about the physical changes that come with midlife that has everyone talking. She is using her platform to shed light on a topic many women experience but is rarely discussed publicly.
Viral Bikini Photos Spark Conversation
This week, Lakshmi posted a series of photos on Instagram that quickly caught the internet’s attention. In the pictures, she is seen enjoying a sunset in a neon pink string bikini, even sharing a playful moment with a small Chihuahua. The post, captioned with only a sun emoji, let the vibrant images speak for themselves.
Fans immediately flooded the comments with praise. They celebrated her confidence and beauty, with one user calling her the “Golden goddess of the endless summer.” Another commented, “Always thought sunsets were the most beautiful sight; now I realize they are 2nd.”
The response highlights a growing appreciation for celebrities who embrace their age authentically. The photos are just the latest example of her unapologetic approach, following her appearance in the 2025 Pirelli Calendar earlier this year.
A Candid Take on Midlife Body Changes
Behind the glamorous photos is a very real story about the unpredictability of aging. In a June 2024 interview with Forbes, Lakshmi revealed a surprising physical change she experienced during perimenopause in her mid-40s.
She shared that her bra size unexpectedly jumped from a 34C to a 36DD due to hormonal shifts. “Nobody told me that your boobs get huge,” she stated plainly. This change was not related to pregnancy or surgery, but to the natural aging process that many women go through.
This admission resonated with many women who have experienced similar changes but felt isolated by the lack of public conversation around them. Lakshmi’s honesty helps to normalize the topic of perimenopause and its various effects on the body.
From Frustration to Fashion
Lakshmi’s body changes led to a new kind of frustration: a lack of lingerie options that were both supportive and stylish. She found that most bras in larger sizes were “matronly” and didn’t align with how she felt on the inside—confident and sexy.
Instead of settling, she decided to create a solution. In early 2024, she launched her own lingerie collection in collaboration with Bare Necessities. This venture was born from a personal need to create beautiful, functional pieces for women whose bodies are changing.
The collection focuses on:
- Creating sexy and modern designs for larger cup sizes.
- Ensuring pieces are supportive without sacrificing style.
- Catering to women going through hormonal shifts, from perimenopause to postpartum.
“Women deserve lingerie that feels as good as it looks, even as their bodies change,” she told Page Six Style during the launch.
Redefining Beauty and Confidence after 50
Padma Lakshmi’s message goes far beyond bikinis and bras. She is part of a growing movement of public figures, like Halle Berry and Paulina Porizkova, who are challenging outdated beauty standards.
She openly states that she feels more confident now than she did in her 20s, both physically and emotionally. Her goal isn’t to look younger but to embrace her current self. “I don’t want to look like a 23-year-old, I want to look like the best version of me,” she has said.
Her journey offers a powerful reminder for women to be kind to themselves as they age. “Show yourself the same grace you would afford to somebody you really love,” she advises.
| Metric | Details |
| Age | 54 |
| Body Shift | Bra size changed from 34C to 36DD during perimenopause |
| Key Project | Lingerie collection with Bare Necessities |
| Core Message | Embrace aging with confidence and self-love |
Ultimately, Lakshmi’s fearlessness is making a bigger impression than her figure. She is not just proving you can be “hot at 54”; she is actively redefining what “hot” means, making it about confidence, authenticity, and owning your story without apology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Padma Lakshmi to talk about her body changing?
Padma Lakshmi began speaking openly about her body changing after she experienced a significant increase in her bra size during perimenopause. She was frustrated by the lack of conversation around such common hormonal changes and the limited fashion options available for her new figure.
What is Padma Lakshmi’s new project?
In early 2024, Padma Lakshmi launched a lingerie collection with the brand Bare Necessities. The line is specifically designed to be sexy, stylish, and supportive for women experiencing body changes due to aging, hormonal shifts, or other life events.
How old is Padma Lakshmi?
Padma Lakshmi is 54 years old. She often speaks about embracing her age and feeling more confident now than she did when she was younger.
What is Padma Lakshmi’s advice on aging?
Her core advice is centered on self-acceptance and kindness. She encourages women to treat themselves with the same empathy and grace they would offer a close friend and to focus on being the best version of themselves at any age, rather than trying to look younger.
