Padma, Inc.

Isn't she talented? She's a foodie, a critic, a TV host, a writer (take a deep breath Mr. Rushdie, there's no comparison), and now apparently a jewelry designer. Padma Lakshmi has just introduced a self-designed jewelry line, not surprisingly dubbed "Padma," complete with a lookbook with shots of the jewelry and ... herself. While it is important to incorporate oneself, especially in a flailing economy like this one, is there a point where it crosses the line from smart business pratice to ego-stroking? I get the concept of branding and realize that what's happening here is the common path for cheesy celebrity-created fashion lines (Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton spring painfully to mind), I just find it a little offensive and coarse in connection to someone who purports to actually have taste.

The collection itself actually isn't half bad. I can pass on the bean-inspired pieces and the Indian-inspired handpiece that I bet you have to be Indian to pull off, but for the most part it's a well-designed line of modern, delicate, personal jewelry, especially the earrings. Here are some of the more outstanding pieces, including the earrings she wore tonight (top left) on Episode 11 of Top Chef: Season 5

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The collection, which will cost between $375 and $6,200, will be available at Bergdorf in May.