Padma Lakshmi Debuts Lingerie Collection, Choosing Comfort First: “My Mood Is More Important Than My Ass”

We interviewed Padma Lakshmi because we think you'll like her picks at these prices. The products featured are from Padma's collection with Bare Necessities. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

Padma Lakshmi knows a thing or two about lingerie, having modeled it for decades throughout her journey as a model, activist, author, and television host. Which is why it only felt right to partner up with Bare Necessities for their first ever collaboration, and create an exclusive collection of lingerie, loungewear, and swimwear dedicated to empowering women at every stage of life.

"Sites like Bare Necessities are great for young women. It allows them a choice. It tells you, you don't have to wear a push up snakeskin bra if you don't want to. It's there for you. But you can also wear a T-shirt bra, and there's many ways to feel beautiful" she tells E!.

"I wanted something that women would reach for without thinking on a daily basis, but something that still felt special. Something that still felt feminine, but was comfortable."

The 20-piece collection features an array of rich textures, intricate prints, and a blend of global influences Padma has gathered from her travels. From edgy bras and swimsuits to dreamy loungewear and stylish cover-ups, each piece reflects her experiences and insights from a life spent exploring the world. The collection is designed to make you feel confident and most importantly, comfortable. Unlike the shapewear many women have experienced in their lives.

"I hate shapewear not only because it's uncomfortable, but because it sucks and smashes everything in. And sure, I want my waist to be snatched, but I don't need help pushing my booty down, I need every little bit of it. I'm Asian, I work very hard at the gym to have that butt and I don't want anybody diminishing its fullness."

She continues, "I want to look beautiful. I want to look ultra-glamorous, but I'm not willing to suffer to do it, there were many, many years and decades of my life where I did that, I ain't doing that anymore, I'm not."

Aside from choosing comfort over anything else, she goes on to tell us about her fitness lifestyle. While she still prioritizes it, she doesn't believe in strict diets as they've always made her feel miserable.

"My mood is more important than my ass. I can sit down and hide my ass. I cannot hide my bad attitude."

Lakshmi also recognizes how aging has made her body change, and how she's grown to appreciate and embrace it.

"I think you have to make peace with scientific facts (regarding aging), there's no way that I can do my job and still be a size two with everything that I'm meeting in my schedule and that's OK. You have to ask yourself, do you want to do nothing but worry about your weight and be sad and lonely, and be that size too? Or do you want to go out and live, and be whatever size you were supposed to be, as long as you're healthy and exercising?"

At the end of the day, the 53-year-old just wants her collection to help women "feel comfortable in their skin, whatever shape that is at any given time." 

She adds, "That is really what I'm trying to give women here. I'm trying to give them a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of lush, lace, or make them feel sexy but grounded in a foundation that is supportive, that is comfortable. That is something that will be part of their daily life. I don't want them to reach for this (collection) three times a year. I want them to reach for it three to five times a week. I would consider that a win."

The Padma X Bare Necessities collection is officially out now on bareneccessites.com. Available sizes include bands 32-38 and cups C-G for bras, S-XXL for panties and loungewear, and swimwear sizes 6-16. Prices range from $12 to $138. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.

This snakeskin bustier is built to lift and is meant to be seen. Padma recommends pairing it with a sexy, oversized blazer for a chic look.

Wear this soft microfiber G-string with the matching snakeskin bustier for a stunning, head-turning set that blends comfort and style.

This seamless thong features a modest rise waistband and cheeky rear coverage for a flattering fit. Made from buttery soft, lightweight microfiber, it offers seamless invisibility under clothing and a double-layer waistband for gentle core control.

There's plenty to love about this lace plunge bra that features a delicate lace racerback and a convenient slide bar front closure for easy on and off. Snag it in a magenta, hazel, or black colorway.

Hit the beach in style with this shiny rash guard, featuring long sleeves and a zippered front for easy wear. Designed with sleek side cuts and mesh panel insets, this fully lined, stretch microfiber piece offers a flattering, cinched look.

You'll love wearing this kimono cover-up, adorned with a brightly colored pattern and contrasting trim, making it perfect for summer. With its 3/4 kimono sleeves, removable self-tie belt, and stylish high-low hem, this lightweight, non-stretch viscose piece will quickly become your go-to warm-weather look.

Feel your best in this ultra-comfy bodysuit, featuring a scoop neck, long sleeves, and rib detailing. Made from a buttery soft modal blend with a snap closure cotton gusset, it can be worn alone, under clothes, or with your favorite bra for added support.

Looking to shop more celeb collabs? Check out The Bachelorette's Alum JoJo Fletcher New Swimwear Collection.