7 Photos of the Multi-Talented Padma Lakshmi in Dominica

The TV host and author made her SI Swimsuit debut in the Caribbean nation this year.

Martha Zaytoun | Aug 25, 2023

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Padma Lakshmi really can do it all. The 52-year-old is a TV host and creator of Taste the Nation, a New York Times best-selling author, activist and producer. But on top of that, she is now also an SI Swimsuit model.

The multi-talented icon was featured in this year’s magazine after accompanying photographer Yu Tsai to Dominica. Despite having extensive experience in front of a camera on Top Chef, she “was pretty nervous,” she said while on set in the Caribbean nation.

But she was also very proud of her inclusion in this year’s issue. “You know I’m 52 years old and I think I look great for my age and I definitely work at it,” she told the SI Swimsuit team. “It’s important to show women of all ages, body types, skin colors and show that beauty is so vast and broad of a spectrum,” she expressed, echoing the mission of the magazine.

She hoped to be an inspiration to young women who might come across the photos, as well. “When young women see this I hope they see that ... experience and wisdom and going through stuff actually makes you more interesting and enriches you as a person, both physically and also inside,” she said. Lakshmi is more confident and comfortable in her skin now than she’s ever been.

“I’m thankful to my body for allowing me to have a baby, for allowing me to eat like I do, and all that it’s given me,” she said.

She certainly showed off her confidence on set in Dominica. Below are seven of the most beautiful photos of Lakshmi from her time on location.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. Bracelets from model’s own collection.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Toco Swim. Necklace from model’s own collection.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit top by NAVY RAY. Swimsuit bottom by Lola & Lamar.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Toco Swim. Necklace from model’s own collection.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by PatBO.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Set by Elizabeth Shevelev.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by NAVY RAY.

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Published Aug 25, 2023

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.