Padma Lakshmi goes ethnic in Sabyasachi saree to show off bikini curves

TV show host and model Padma Lakshmi brought a new meaning to the ‘yummy mummy’ epithet when she appeared in a Sabyasachi Mukherjee sari at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s Blossom Ball at the New York Public Library.

Making a glamourous appearance after a long hiatus, the model and Top Chef presenter chose to give the usual red carpet gowns a miss. In a welcome change, the diva showed off her bikini curves in the Sabya creation instead.

Looking cool as a cucumber in a green and blue net sari, it was hard to tell the 40- year old ex- wife of Salman Rushdie was caught up in a custody battle over Krishna Thea, her daughter with Adam Dell, the brother of computer giant founder Michael Dell.

Adam Dell had earlier claimed Padma launched an attack on him in September 2009 where she told him she was pregnant but added she hoped it was not his.

The hot mama had spent Friday morning out in the Big Apple with her one-year-old. Dressed stylishly in a military- inspired jacket, jeans and boots, she appeared happy and relaxed, her daughter smiling as they caught up with friends. At the evening do, Padma looked every inch the quintessential Indian belle.

Going the whole nine yards, the cookbook author paired the sari with a contrasting sleeveless, deep- neck red blouse, rather than the traditional longsleeved embroidered Sabya staple, a favourite of Vidya Balan.

Padma’s look was similar to Rani Mukerji’s at actor Imran Khan and Avantika’s wedding reception recently. She fared better than the actress, carrying off the sari with perfect poise and grace. Padma is said to be currently in a relationship with 70- year- old IMG boss Ted Forstmann who is reportedly the father figure in Krishna’s life.

Kolkata- based Sabyasachi seems to be a celebrity favourite at international red carpet events, with A- listers such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan choosing to wear his saris both at Cannes in May 2010 and at the Raavan premier in London in June. Others who have chosen to go the Indian route at global red carpet events include the likes of Deepika Padukone at Cannes and A. R. Rahman at the Oscars.

Known for her trendy fashion sense, Padma didn’t disappoint on the ethnic chic parameter either, effortlessly merging international standards with tradition.