Padma Lakshmi 2023: Dominica

SI Swimsuit | May 14, 2023

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica for the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue along with fellow models Kamie Crawford, Nicole Williams English, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg and Sixtine.

Lakshmi is best known as the host and executive producer of Bravo’s Emmy Award–winning series Top Chef, as well as the creator, host and executive producer of Hulu’s Taste the Nation. Additionally, she is a humanitarian, best-selling author and mom. Lakshmi is also an actress and worked as a model in her 20s. This is her first SI Swimsuit Issue appearance.

Known for its natural beauty, the island of Dominica is located in the eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique. From lush rainforests and impressive mountain peaks to rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls, Dominica boasts magnificent, natural views, making it an ideal vacation location for relaxation and adventure (and, not to mention, an SI Swimsuit photo shoot).

To learn more about Dominica, including where to stay, what to eat and can’t-miss beaches and activities, click here.

The styling for Lakshmi’s shoot was influenced by the breathtaking island itself. Dominica’s verdant nature appears to be virtually untouched, which inspired the “Mother Nature” theme. The SI Swimsuit team worked with designers to create custom swimsuits that brought out the island’s vibrant, rich surroundings on camera. Think emerald and mossy green color palettes with lots of organic texture. The collaboration resulted in swimsuits that were

Hair: DJ Quintero at The Wall Group for Living Proof
Makeup: Jodie Boland at The Wall Group using Loving Tan, SuperGoop! and French Farmacie
Photographer: Yu Tsai

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

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

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

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

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Heidi Fish.

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

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 Tropic of C. Bracelets from model’s own collection.

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

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Heidi Fish.

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

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 Toxic Sadie Swimwear.

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

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

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

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. Set by Elizabeth Shevelev.

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

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

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

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

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

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. Dress by Natalia Fedner.

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

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 NAVY RAY.

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 PatBO.

Padma Lakshmi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

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 Tropic of C. Bracelets from model’s own collection.

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

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

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 top by NAVY RAY. Swimsuit bottom by Lola & Lamar.

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