Get Ready With Padma Lakshmi for the 2024 Gold Gala

The TV host and culinary star was radiant in sequins from Cinq à Sept.

This past weekend, Gold House, the nonprofit organization that amplifies and champions AAPI voices, hosted its third annual Gold Gala in Los Angeles to celebrate the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society over the past year. On-stage presentations were held for the organization's special honorees, who included Lucy Liu, who was presented with the Legend award; Wicked star Cynthia Erivo; fashion icon Hello Kitty; rap sensation Saweetie; and the high-priestess of foodies herself, Padma Lakshmi.

Lakshmi has cemented her icon status with a multi-decade and hyphenate career, which has spanned from model to Emmy-nominated producer, food aficionado, television host (with 20 seasons under her belt on “Top Chef" and currently hosting Hulu series “Taste the Nation"), and best-selling author. After this year's Gold Gala, she can now add Culinary Director to her lengthy resume. This culinary role for Lakshmi was a perfect match with the organization as she has long used her platform to open minds and tastebuds to different cultures and experiences, especially those within the AAPI community.

Tasked with crafting the menu for the over 600 guests attending the Gold Gala, Lakshmi worked closely with Executive Chef Vijay Kumar and his team behind the Michelin-starred hotspot Semma to conjure up exclusively South Asian offerings that paid homage to her home state of Tamilnadu, India. For the evening's affairs, Lakshmi donned a lemony-yellow Cinq à Sept top and skirt covered in sequins from neck to hemline. Working with stylist Adam Ballheim, she paired her bright, summery look with dazzling Cartier jewelry and bronzed accessories that played off the evening's gold theme.

Here, Lakshmi exclusively tells InStyle all about her personal style and the importance of representation. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at how the TV host and culinary story got ready for the Gold Gala.

How she unwinds before an event

"When I’m getting ready for a big event like this, I like to take my time. I’ll start with a massage or some type of body treatment, then set up the music ("All Night Long" by the Mary Jane Girls was on the get-ready playlist for the night), maybe light a candle, etc. I like for the space to be as calm as possible before the bustle of press on the carpet."

Her glam

"Joeri Rouffa is doing my hair, Beau Nelson is doing my makeup, and Shigeko Taylor did my nails. I want the hair to be carefree and effortless but still polished. I never like hairdos that feel too done. Joeri is someone I work with a lot, and he really gets my hair—we chose a simple, easy 'do. Beau Nelson is someone I've worked with for years as well. For this look, it is all about the eyes. We’re using a Clinique chubby stick in Whole Lotta Honey. And we are using Burgundy 11 from Sisley. Shigeko did a beautiful, light pink/opaque nail."

Her style

"My style has become more and more simplified over the years. I'm less willing to be uncomfortable with my appearance than I was when I was just starting out. When you're comfortable in your clothing and in your skin, you have more confidence."

Look of the Day

Why AAPI representation matters

"I wish I had had an organization like Gold House to look to when I was growing up. Over the last several years we have seen a lot of Asian hate, and we often we feel like we are alone. But Gold House makes me feel like part of a stronger, more united community."

Her look

"I’ve worked with my stylist, Adam Ballheim, for many years, and my mandate to him was something that felt special but is comfortable and easy to move in. I love the bright color of the dress we chose- it is from Cinq a Sept, and the shoes are from Stuart Weitzman. I like how effortless the outfit is, it doesn’t feel too 'gowny.'"

Her accessories

"I brought my own Indian jewelry to wear as a nod to my Asian heritage. But then Cartier offered to dress me, and I love Cartier so much. And the Panthère set really helps pull the whole look together."

Who she's excited to see

"I've long admired Lucy Liu, and I am excited to be honored alongside her tonight. But there are so many interesting people attending—from Saweetie, who is performing, to Michelle Yeoh, whom I know a bit from my work at the UN because she is a fellow Goodwill Ambassador, to Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe."

Her after-party plans

"I plan to stop by the after-party for a little bit of dancing, but I can’t stay long because I have an early flight back to New York. We’re starting the photography for the Taste the Nation cookbook on Monday, which I’m looking forward to. The cookbook will be out in the Fall of 2025."

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