Padma Lakshmi recycled her Emmys dress because it deserves 'to be worn again and treasured'
If you’re experiencing déjà vu thinking Padma Lakshmi looks gorgeous in her Emmys gown, you’re not going crazy. The Top Chef host has worn the stunning J. Mendel dress before.
Lakshmi first stepped out in the plunging red gown nearly one year ago at the Vogue India Women of the Year Awards in Mumbai, and tonight, she wanted to send young girls a message with her outfit choice.
“I’m excited to wear this beautiful J. Mendel dress again,” the television personality told People. “I think in this day and age we should stop sending the message to young women and girls that we all have these endless closets of clothes we never wear more than once, especially on a red carpet.”
She added, “The hours that it takes, the artisans’ labor, and the gorgeous fabrics all deserve to be worn again and treasured. It seems wasteful not to enjoy these dresses.”
Lakshmi explained that she loves to have “fun” with fashion but believes “there are more important ways to spend my time than to have hours of fittings for these big events.”
“It’s a lot of pressure!” she continued. “What matters is the work that got us here to the Emmys. Instead of fretting so much over what to wear, I’d rather go to the park and throw a ball with #littlehands or tinker in the kitchen with her bonding over delicious food. I want to teach her that there is more to life.”
One noticeable difference with her look tonight is the blue ribbon pinned to her hip — it’s to show support for the American Civil Liberties Union.
Lakshmi is hardly the first celebrity to recycle a look. Emmy winner Tiffany Haddish has proudly worn her $4,000 white Alexander McQueen gown four times to various events.
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