Padma Lakshmi is slithering into our mental folder of swimwear inspiration [1]. The 47-year-old Top Chef host recently wore a snake-print string bikini while filming the culinary competition show in Kentucky. Though the sweltering shot was originally taken back in June, Padma fittingly shared it on July 5 in honor of — what else? — National Bikini Day.
While retro polka dots, belted one-pieces, and fruit prints seem to be dominating this year's swimwear trends [2], it's cool to see a celebrity switch it up with something different and sexy as hell. If you're ready to chuck your cherry-print swimsuit for a snake-print bikini, shop some of our favorites ahead.
Vitamin A Gia Triangle Top and Giselle Bikini Bottom
Vitamin A Gia Reversible Triangle Bikini Top [4] ($57, originally $95) and Giselle Hipster Bikini Bottom [5] ($59, originally $99)
Wolf & Whistle Snake Bikini Top and High-Waist Bottom
Wolf & Whistle Fuller Bust Snake Bikini Top [6] ($45) and High-Waist Snake Bikini Bottom [7] ($26)
Swimsuits For All Admiral Python Bikini
Swimsuits For All Admiral Python Bikini [8] ($33, originally $84)
Zimmermann Gemma Snake-Print Bikini
Zimmermann Gemma Snake-Print Bikini [9] ($158, originally $290)
Heidi Klein Snakeskin-Print Top and Bottom
Heidi Klein Core Textured Bandeau Bikini Top [10] ($150) and Heidi Klein Core Textured Bandeau Bikini Top [11] ($150)
Rosa Cha Serpent-Print Top and Bottom
Rosa Cha Serpent-Print Triangle Bikini Top [12] ($119) and Audrey High-Waisted Bottom [13] ($119)
Coastal Blue Mesh High-Neck Bikini Top and Bottom
Coastal Blue Mesh High-Neck Bikini Top [14] ($45) and High-Waist Bikini Bottom [15] ($39)
Unique 21 One-Shoulder Bikini Set
Unique 21 One-Shoulder Bikini Set [16] ($35, originally $44)
Melissa Odabash Elba Python-Print Bikini
Melissa Odabash Elba Python-Print Bikini [17] ($225)
Missguided Brown Snake-Print Bikini
Missguided Brown Snake-Print Bikini Top [18] ($17) and Super Cheeky Bikini Bottoms [19] ($13)