Padma Lakshmi’s SI Swimsuit Photo Shoot in Dominica Is One We Will Never Forget

The TV personality, model and activist traveled to the breathtaking Caribbean island country for last year‘s issue.

Ananya Panchal | Aug 16, 2024

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Modeling and being completely herself in front of a camera comes naturally to 2023 SI Swimsuit star Padma Lakshmi. The TV personality, who is the creator of Hulu’s Taste the Nation, was totally in her element while on location in Dominica with visual artist Yu Tsai last year. The 53-year-old traveled to the Caribbean island country for her feature with the brand and served the most marvelous, ethereal Mother Nature vibes amongst the breathtaking natural landscapes, and it certainly was an adventure to remember.

“I love where I am in my life and know my body is not perfect by any means, but I feel beautiful. I feel like I have a very lucky, fruitful, productive life,” the mom of one, who traveled across the globe as a model for major brands in her 20s, said. “My thighs may have been leaner, and my boobs were probably slightly higher in earlier parts of my life, but I have never felt better about myself. I hope they see a full woman in all my facets and nuances and some contradictions. I wouldn’t go back to my 20s if you paid me all the money in the world.”

Today, the New York City resident is an activist, comedian, designer, best-selling author and so much more. She uses her platform to advocate for causes she is passionate about and encourage women to be confident, resilient and face adversity head-on.

Below are seven flawless photos from Lakshmi’s SI Swimsuit debut with Yu Tsai in Dominica.

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Initial S Paris. Necklace from model’s own collection. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Dress by Natalia Fedner. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by NAVY RAY. / Yu Tsa/Sports Illustrated

Published Aug 16, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.