Padma Lakshmi, the renowned author, activist, and former Top Chef host, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her grace, confidence, and advocacy, Lakshmi has recently added another remarkable achievement to her career. This time, she graces the 2025 Pirelli Calendar, a globally acclaimed project known for its celebration of beauty and artistic expression. At 54, Lakshmi’s participation in the “Refresh and Reveal” themed calendar is more than just a modeling feat; it’s a statement of empowerment, confidence, and the timeless elegance of womanhood.
With the unveiling of the Pirelli Calendar at London’s Natural History Museum, Lakshmi opened up about her experience in the photoshoot, her perspective on nudity, and her reflections on embracing beauty at every stage of life. Let’s take a closer look at her thoughts and what this significant moment means for her and for women worldwide.
Embracing Beauty and Confidence in Her 50s
For many, the 2025 Pirelli Calendar will be remembered as a testament to Padma Lakshmi’s enduring beauty and poise. Photographed by Ethan James Green and styled by Tonne Goodman, Lakshmi’s images exude elegance, confidence, and a sense of serenity. In one of the photos, she is pictured wearing a sheer, gauzy dress that reveals her silhouette subtly and tastefully, while in another, she stands partially submerged in water at Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, wearing a soaked white tee that captures her natural grace.
Lakshmi has expressed excitement about fulfilling a longtime dream of being featured in the Pirelli Calendar, and her joy radiates in each photo. She explained how the photoshoot reflected a level of comfort and assurance that she now feels with her body. “I felt beautiful. I felt cared for. I felt safe. I felt elegant,” she shared, emphasizing that her experience was one of empowerment rather than vulnerability.
Navigating Nudity and Feminine Expression in a Changing Society
The theme of nudity in artistic expression, especially in the post-MeToo era, has evolved, with many women now embracing their bodies with a renewed sense of ownership and autonomy. During her interview with Pirelli, Lakshmi discussed how she approaches nudity and modeling in today’s social landscape. Reflecting on her experiences in the modeling world of the 1990s, she noted how society has become more conservative since then, acknowledging that some changes were necessary to address the issues of that time.
However, Lakshmi emphasized that nudity itself is not something to fear. “I don’t think that nudity is anything to be afraid of because I think a woman’s body is one of the most beautiful creations in nature,” she stated. Her words resonate as a reminder that the female form, when respected and celebrated in a safe and intentional way, is a powerful expression of beauty and strength.
The Importance of Feeling Safe and Supported During the Photoshoot
Lakshmi’s experience with the Pirelli team was one of mutual respect and artistic collaboration. She shared with People magazine that she didn’t feel vulnerable during the process—a stark contrast to how she might have felt decades ago. Today, she feels fully in command of her body, an empowering realization that speaks to her journey of self-acceptance and growth.
Reflecting on her favorite photo from the shoot, the one taken in water, Lakshmi described it as “a pose of serenity,” capturing the calm and contentment she feels at this stage of her life. “I think that’s how I feel at this point in my life, and that’s a great feeling, which I didn’t always have,” she said. Her words remind us of the strength that comes with maturity and the beauty of embracing oneself without reservation.
Sharing the Experience with Her Daughter Krishna
One of the most touching aspects of Lakshmi’s journey through this photoshoot is her openness with her 14-year-old daughter, Krishna. Lakshmi is proud of the imagery and looks forward to sharing it with her daughter, hoping to show her the beauty of womanhood in all its stages. Her approach to parenting includes being transparent and honest with Krishna, guiding her to understand and appreciate self-confidence and self-expression.
“They’re beautiful. I want her to see womanhood in all its stages,” Lakshmi said, emphasizing her desire to teach her daughter about self-acceptance. Lakshmi has always been “very free with [her] body at home” and aims to model openness and confidence for Krishna, showing her that beauty and self-worth transcend age and societal expectations.
Redefining Standards of Beauty and Confidence
Padma Lakshmi’s participation in the Pirelli Calendar isn’t the first time she’s redefined beauty standards. Just last year, she made headlines in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, proudly flaunting her curves in a seashell bikini. The photoshoot, along with her lingerie collaboration with Bare Necessities, reflects her ongoing journey toward self-empowerment and confidence. Lakshmi has spoken about how her relationship with her body has evolved over the years, describing herself as more confident than ever.
In a recent interview with Page Six Style, Lakshmi shared her thoughts on aging and self-acceptance: “I’m more confident now, physically and otherwise. 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 high in all the right places.” Her words are a refreshing reminder that confidence often grows with age, as self-worth becomes less about appearance and more about self-love and inner peace.
Pirelli Calendar 2025: A Celebration of Women in Their Authentic Beauty
The 2025 Pirelli Calendar is about more than just glamour and allure. Titled “Refresh and Reveal,” it features a diverse lineup of inspiring women, each chosen for her unique voice and presence. Alongside Lakshmi, the calendar includes actress Hunter Schafer, Bridgerton star Simone Ashley, and actress Jodie Turner-Smith, among others. Each of these women brings a different facet of beauty and strength, making the calendar a powerful celebration of authentic womanhood.
Photographer Ethan James Green and stylist Tonne Goodman curated the project with a vision to showcase women in a way that honors their individuality. Through their lens, the Pirelli Calendar embraces a fresh take on beauty that is inclusive, dynamic, and true to the women it portrays.
Padma Lakshmi’s Legacy: A Role Model for Empowered Aging and Authenticity
As Padma Lakshmi continues to evolve both personally and professionally, her choices reflect a commitment to authenticity, confidence, and self-love. Her participation in the Pirelli Calendar, at a stage in life when many women are often encouraged to fade into the background, challenges societal expectations around aging and beauty. Lakshmi’s journey is a testament to the fact that beauty does not have an expiration date and that a woman’s power often grows with age and experience.
In sharing her body and spirit with the world, Lakshmi has become a role model for women of all ages, inspiring them to embrace who they are with pride. Her journey, marked by resilience, self-assurance, and a refusal to conform, is a powerful reminder that beauty is not bound by age, size, or societal norms.
Conclusion: Padma Lakshmi’s Message of Empowerment and Grace
Padma Lakshmi’s feature in the 2025 Pirelli Calendar is more than just a stunning photoshoot—it’s a statement of empowerment, self-acceptance, and the elegance of womanhood. Through her words and her actions, Lakshmi reminds us that beauty is timeless and that confidence can only grow with age and experience. By embracing her body, celebrating her age, and sharing her journey with her daughter and the world, Lakshmi shows us that there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman who is comfortable in her own skin.
As Lakshmi continues to redefine what it means to be beautiful and confident, she sets an example for women everywhere to live boldly, embrace change, and celebrate each phase of life. Whether through her work as an activist, a writer, or a model, Lakshmi’s influence reaches far beyond the pages of a calendar—she’s shaping a legacy of empowered womanhood for generations to come.
