Just back in New York City after shooting season 10 of Bravo’s Top Chef in Seattle, Lakshmi, 42, is looking forward to slowing her life down to something resembling a steady hum—or at least a steady roar. In addition to hosting and producing TV’s hottest culinary competition, she’s writing a third cookbook, working on her line of jewelry and updating her Easy Exotic collection of kitchen products and specialty foods. She’s also a hands-on cofounder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (she went undiagnosed for years with the painful condition). And, oh yes: She’s a single mother to two-year-old Krishna, her daughter with venture capitalist Adam Dell.

Hermes cotton veil blouse; hermes.com for stores. Patricia Underwood felt hat; Sophy Curson, 215-567-4662. Beauty note: For nude lips like Padma’s, try Dior Rouge Nude Lipcolor in Grége 169.

Recently the notion that women can “have it all” has been back in the news, with many suggesting that it might not be realistic after all. Lakshmi’s view is both personal and honest. “Well,” she says after a long pause, “I don’t have it all, so I don’t know if it’s possible. But I guess I’m satisfied to have most of it. I have a lot of resources my mother didn’t have. I have help—a sitter who can be with my daughter when I’m working—and I have a seasonal main job, so I’m a stay-at-home mom a lot. I have struggled with it. It’s not easy, but I have a great career, and I have my daughter. So what I don’t have is not as important to me as what I do have.”

Roberto Cavalli lace, silk and bead gown; robertocavalli.com for stores.

Zero + Maria Cornejo matte jersey dress; 22 Knots at Four Seasons Resort Maui, 808-874-8000.

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