Bethenny Frankel walked the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show runway in Miami wearing a black strappy cut-out bikini on May 30, 2025 [2].
Frankel's appearance highlights a growing trend of inclusivity regarding age and body image in the high-fashion swimwear industry. By appearing on the runway at 55 [1], the former "Real Housewives of New York City" star is challenging traditional beauty standards associated with swimsuit modeling.
The event took place at the W South Beach in Miami, Florida, during the annual Miami Swim Week [1, 2]. Frankel wore a bikini held together with chains and string as she promoted the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue [1, 3]. This appearance marked the second consecutive year she has walked the runway for the brand [2].
Following the show, Frankel used social media to address her appearance and the natural state of her physique. "My body is natural," Frankel said in an Instagram video posted after the show [4].
Frankel, a businesswoman and media personality, returned to the event to showcase her confidence in her natural body [2, 3]. Her participation aligns with broader efforts by the publication to diversify its roster of models and representatives. While some reports vary on the specific event year, the runway appearance is documented as occurring on May 30, 2025 [2].
“"My body is natural,"”
Frankel's repeated participation in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show signals a strategic shift in the brand's marketing toward 'age-positive' representation. By featuring women in their 50s on a runway historically dominated by younger models, the publication is expanding its demographic reach and responding to consumer demand for more realistic body standards in the luxury fashion space.
