The Top Chef beauty breaches into beautiful accessorizing of her own.

For her perfect final meal, Padma Lakshmi would eat simply, yet dress fashionably fantastic.

“I would have a big bowl of really spicy noodles, wearing a Chanel chiffon and lace diaphanous gown, with my daughter in lap, a pair of silver Tiffany’s chopsticks, on the veranda of my grandmother’s home in South India, listening to Ms. Angie Stone or ‘Ramble On’ by Led Zeppelin.”

Although widely-known for her role as host of the highly rated reality show ‘Top Chef” the Indian-American beauty also has created her collection of Padma Lakshmi Jewelry. Much like her, the collection is a mix of eclectic and classic.

Visiting Atlanta during a promo tour for the collection, she arrived to the trunk show at Neiman Marcus toting a Hermès bag and rocking fabulous Chanel boots. Immediately, Lakshmi interacted warmly with the people who were waiting anxiously to see her new line (after placing her daughter, whom she doesn’t leave home without, in more than capable hands), making sure to touch every person present.

Knowledgeable about the specifics of each piece, with a description of the design aesthetic, as well as the historical significance of every ornament, Lakshmi is by far the line’s best spokesperson.

“I began designing jewelry because I just couldn’t find what I wanted in the stores,” she says. “I loved pieces that I saw in museums and galleries that were far too expensive.”

Influences for this collection originate from her own Indian culture mixed with Kenyan and American Indian influences and are based on The Nav, which comes from the word Navaratna, which is literally a Sanskrit compound word meaning “nine gems” that are recognized as sacred and royal in almost all the countries of Asia.

Each of the nine gems have a specific and significant meaning correlating with the celestial bodies that are believed to help balance one’s life force: The flawless ruby is the gem for the Sun, natural pearl for the Moon, red coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, blue sapphire for Saturn, hessonite for Rahu (ascending lunar node) and cat’s eye for Ketu (descending lunar node).

Lakshmi designs with all of her senses out of her unique design studio/taste kitchen in New York City. The shapes and feel of the stones are reminiscent of seeds and spices like cardamom, peppercorn and curry leaves.

“Food has always been part of my life. When I think of food I think of warm comfort, and that’s what I hope to give to others.”

And with the inevitable success of her new collection, she looks to extend her influence further. “I design for myself and hope that others will love it as much as I do.”

By K. Diane for 944