‘RHONYC’ alum embraces confidence and camaraderie on Miami Beach catwalk with playful poses and empowering messages
Bethenny Frankel, the beloved “Real Housewives of New York City” alum, turned heads and stole the spotlight at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show during Swim Week 2025. On May 31, 54-year-old Frankel dazzled the crowd at Miami Beach’s W South Beach hotel, modeling an array of sultry swimwear that perfectly blended glamour, fun, and fierce confidence.
From the moment she stepped onto the catwalk, Frankel exuded charisma and playfulness. Sporting a high-waisted leopard-print one-piece, she paused mid-walk to raise her hands and let out a roar, embracing the wild side of the theme. When she switched to a denim bikini paired with a cowboy hat, she tipped her hat to the audience, mixing a touch of Western charm into the glamorous atmosphere.
Yet it was the polka-dot string bikini that truly stole the show. The fuchsia and black two-piece, adorned with stylish O-ring details, was teamed with a flowing black mini sarong that Frankel dramatically untied as she reached the runway’s end. In a cheeky moment that captured her bold spirit, she tossed the sarong aside, giving the crowd an unapologetic view of the bikini’s revealing backside. Flashing a flirtatious smile and a playful “oops” gesture, Frankel owned every inch of the spotlight before strutting confidently off the stage.
The moment quickly went viral, with Sports Illustrated and fans alike celebrating her confidence. The magazine shared the iconic mid-runway reveal on Instagram, praising Frankel with the simple yet powerful caption: “Nailed it.” Comments poured in from admirers including stylist Chris Appleton, who wrote, “Coming in hot 🔥,” and actress Daniella Monet, who chimed in, “It’s such a yes.”
Frankel’s Instagram overflowed with gratitude and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the event, featuring moments with fellow SI Swimsuit models Remi Bader and Stassi Schroeder. She reflected on the experience with heartfelt appreciation for her Florida community, where she recently made a permanent move.
“This runway show was such an amazing experience and I am forever grateful to my community here in Florida and the people for your endless support. ❤️,” she shared, emphasizing the theme that resonated most with her: women supporting women.
In a candid June 1 video, Frankel elaborated on the culture behind the iconic magazine’s swimsuit issue, revealing that the overwhelming spirit was one of genuine female empowerment. “I didn’t know much going into it. I mean, I know it’s a magazine, and I know that once a year they do a swimsuit issue. What I didn’t know is what the culture is like there, and I didn’t know who 90% of the women were,” she admitted. “I will tell you that the resounding theme and culture is women supporting women.”
Frankel praised the rare authenticity of this supportive atmosphere, contrasting it with other entertainment and fashion environments. “This culture… is something that so many women cosplay, and perform. In all of my experiences in the entertainment and fashion industries, I have never seen the level of female support that I experienced at the show.”
With her radiant confidence, playful spirit, and candid reflections on sisterhood, Bethenny Frankel’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway debut was more than a fashion moment — it was a celebration of empowerment, joy, and the power of women lifting each other up.
