Padma Lakshmi’s Bold Vision: Bare Necessities Lingerie Collection
Padma Lakshmi redefines lingerie with a collection designed for real women, blending global influences, comfort, and everyday versatility.

Padma Lakshmi Joins Bare Necessities: A New Chapter in Lingerie
In a decisive step beyond her roles as a celebrated chef, television producer, and activist, Padma Lakshmi has teamed up with Bare Necessities for an exclusive lingerie, loungewear, and swimwear collection. The collaboration marks the brand’s first celebrity partnership and embodies Padma’s commitment to blending comfort with bold style, designed for women at every stage of life.
Celebrating the Collaboration: The Launch and Its Spirit
The launch event at New York’s Crosby Street Hotel was attended by top editors, influencers, and tastemakers, signifying the fashion world’s strong endorsement of Padma’s creative leap. Padma described the collection as “a fun, creative challenge,” aiming for a mix of everyday staples and pieces that feel “dressier and sexy,” while staying true to the wearer’s comfort.
- First-ever celebrity collaboration for Bare Necessities
- Offers lingerie, loungewear, and swimwear
- Empowers women with versatile, wearable fashion
Padma Lakshmi’s Lingerie Philosophy
Padma’s philosophy stems from her years of modeling lingerie and her personal quest for pieces that are both functional and beautiful. She observed an industry gap: “Lingerie is often very beautiful but pokes and pricks you in odd places… Or all options look orthopedic and matronly for larger breasts.” Her hope is to offer designs that “feel functional, comfortable, AND sexy!”
- Focus on both aesthetics and comfort
- Designs avoid unnecessary discomfort and awkward fits
- Special attention to larger cup sizes and body diversity
Collection Overview: Designed for Every Woman
The Padma x Bare Necessities collection features a thoughtfully curated capsule of the essentials every woman needs. It is designed to move seamlessly across different daily activities—whether for intimate moments, lounging at home, or making a bold style statement.
- Bras: Ranging from edgy and supportive to seamless everyday staples
- Panties & Thongs: Designed for a perfect waist-cinching fit without discomfort
- Bodysuits & Corsets: Versatile pieces treat comfort and allure as equals
- Swimwear: Feminine silhouettes and bold prints inspired by Padma’s global travels
- Loungewear: Soft, cozy fabrics for relaxation without sacrificing shape
- Coverups: Embrace both utility and style, ideal for transitioning between activities
Fit and Sizing: Inclusivity at Its Core
Category | Sizes Available |
---|---|
Lingerie Bands | 32-38 |
Cup Sizes | C-G |
Panties & Lounge | S-XXL |
Swimwear | 6-16 |
Padma’s collection prides itself on serving a variety of body types, reflecting her belief that “confidence comes from feeling at home where you are”.
The Inspiration Behind the Collection
Padma’s Lifelong Passion for Lingerie
As a model, Padma Lakshmi spent much of her career wearing lingerie brands, accumulating a clear vision of what works for different body shapes. The design ethos began with her personal experiences and extended to the desire for aspirational, wearable garments for real women.
Key Inspirations:
- Padma’s own global adventures—textures and prints inspired by travels
- Her advocacy for women’s health and body positivity
- Personal evolutions: Embracing comfort as her body changed over time
Functionality Meets Fashion
Padma emphasized versatility, selecting styles “that I think every woman needs.” Whether it’s a zip-up rashguard for active days or a racerback bra for t-shirt season, each item is engineered to combine comfort, support, and allure:
- Racerback bras to conceal straps and offer a seamless profile
- Stretch thongs designed for waist definition without restriction
- Bodysuits and coverups that seamlessly transition from home to public
Padma’s favorite is the snakeskin bustier—a piece as at home in the bedroom as it is under a blazer for an evening out. The collection’s long sleeve knit dress is another highlight, cherished for its softness and all-day wearability.
Design Process: Padma’s Personal Touch
The path to launching the Padma x Bare Necessities line was both deliberate and collaborative. Padma worked closely with Bare Necessities’ team, reviewing line drawings, fabric samples, and fit models. The aim was not just to design for herself, but for a spectrum of preferences and body shapes.
- Personal involvement in the fabric selection and sample testing
- Insights from Padma’s career: comfort and functional beauty
- Learning from fit models with diverse frames
She notes the importance of comfort in her own life: “As I’ve aged, I’ve needed more support; my breasts have gotten bigger, and my hips have gotten curvier. And I prize comfort more than I used to.” This perspective permeates the entire line.
Challenges and Opportunities
Padma acknowledges the challenge of narrowing down her expansive ideas into a humble, focused capsule. Each piece reflects a conscious decision to serve a wide audience while staying true to her signature style. The collaborative process also turned into a journey of discovery, as Padma tested how pieces looked on varying body types.
Lingerie as Self-Empowerment
For Padma Lakshmi, lingerie is more than just clothing—it is a means for women to “feel good” and to uplift their mood. She views every item in her line as an opportunity to merge beauty, confidence, and everyday utility.
- Designed to lift spirits and embrace individual beauty
- Functional enough for daily wear, special enough for self-expression
- Shows that glamour does not have to mean discomfort
Highlighting the Standout Pieces
- Snakeskin Bustier: A versatile piece for bedroom or night out
- Long Sleeve Knit Dress: Soft enough for lounging, stylish enough to wear out
- Everyday Racerback Bra: Seamless look, great for tees and layering
- Zip-Up Rashguard: Active, chic, and supportive in swimwear
- Kashmir Paisley Cover-Up: Elegant, globally-inspired prints
The Capsule Collection: Pricing and Accessibility
The collection’s price range makes it accessible while retaining quality and distinct design. Every woman is invited to try pieces that promise confidence wherever life finds them.
Item | Price Range (USD) |
---|---|
Lingerie, Bras, Panties | $12 – $138 |
Loungewear | $12 – $138 |
Swimwear | $24.99 – $138 |
Coverups | $29.99 – $138 |
Exclusively available on Bare Necessities’ website, the line reflects Padma’s intention to balance aspirational luxury with the realities of everyday wear.
Padma’s Message: Confidence, Comfort, and Change
Padma Lakshmi’s departure from “Top Chef” has allowed her to embark on projects close to her heart. This lingerie line is one such venture, representing her values: confidence, comfort, and self-expression. “Since starting a new chapter of my life, I’ve been lucky to collaborate on projects I’ve always wanted to do like this one,” Padma shares.
The launch isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s an invitation to embrace personal evolution, support women’s bodies, and celebrate global heritage through style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What inspired Padma Lakshmi to design a lingerie collection?
A: Padma’s extensive modeling experience revealed a market gap for lingerie that feels both comfortable and beautiful. Her personal evolution, global influences, and activism all informed her desire to create aspirational yet wearable garments for diverse body types.
Q: Who is the Padma x Bare Necessities collection for?
A: It is designed for real women of varying ages, body types, and lifestyles. Padma hopes the range empowers women to look and feel good, regardless of size or stage in life.
Q: What makes these designs different from other lingerie brands?
A: The line combines Padma’s attention to comfort, trims that suit larger cup sizes, and globally inspired prints, ensuring each piece balances function and style. The capsule also includes versatile loungewear and supportive swimwear.
Q: Where can I buy Padma Lakshmi’s Bare Necessities collection?
A: All items are available exclusively through the Bare Necessities website, with competitive pricing and shipping options.
Q: Does the collection include plus size options and various fits?
A: Yes. The collection is size-inclusive, offering bands 32-38 and cups C-G in lingerie, S-XXL in loungewear, and swim sizes 6-16.
Final Thoughts
The Padma x Bare Necessities collection marks an empowering step for women’s fashion, offering a blend of quality, comfort, and bold expression—the culmination of Padma Lakshmi’s unique vision and lived experience. It invites women to celebrate themselves, embrace change, and find pieces that truly fit their lives.
References
- https://www.vraimagazine.com/padma-lakshmi-x-bare-necessities-lingerie-and-swimwear/
- https://padmalakshmi.substack.com/p/something-a-little-different
- https://www.barenecessities.com/blogs/learn/introducing-padma-x-bare-necessities-1
- https://www.barenecessities.com/collections/padma-x-bare-necessities
- https://www.barenecessities.com/pages/in-the-press
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