Mother has arrived!
Bethenny Frankel stole the show at this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway during Miami Swim Week. Soon after the fashion show kicked off at W South Beach on Saturday, May 30, SI Swimsuit posted a video on Instagram showing the “Real Housewives of New York City” star walking the runway with confidence. Frankel showed off her fit figure in a black bikini, letting her beachy hair flow—earning praise from fans for her look and presence.
Fans and Frankel Are Loving Her ‘Incredible’ SI Swimsuit Looks
“55 where??? She looks absolutely stunning, incredible!! I’ve never seen a woman look this good let alone at this age,” wrote one commenter. Another added, “She looks amazing. No one can argue that.”
Frankel also posted on Instagram to highlight her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit modeling moments. In one clip, she mouths the lyrics “they call me mother” with fellow models, including one of this year’s SI cover girls, Alix Earle. She captioned the video, “your mother has arrived.”
Bethenny Frankel’s Return to the SI Runway Proves Age Has No Bounds
Frankel debuted as a Sports Illustrated model in 2025. This year, she joined the magazine’s Rookie Class for the 2026 swimsuit issue. She told HELLO! that working with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit isn’t just a new phase in her career — it’s “the only act.” “It is completely on my terms and was supposed to be my retirement era, so everything happening now feels like a fun bonus round,” she explained. Frankel is proving that age is truly just a number and that she can achieve anything at 55 and beyond.
She added, “There is no ‘aging out’ of beauty, and you really can do anything at any stage.” Frankel shared the runway with a diverse group of influencers, fellow reality stars, and seasoned runway models at the 2026 SI Swimsuit show. The lineup included “Dancing with the Stars” performer Emma Slater, TV personality Brooks Nader, Molly Sims, Stassi Schroeder of “Vanderpump Rules,” podcaster & entrepreneur Claire Kittle, “Truth Hurts” singer-songwriter Lizzo, American Olympian Ilona Maher, actress-comedian Tiffany Haddish, Maura Higgins of “Love Island,” and YouTuber Ellie Thumann.
2026 Has Been One of Frankel’s Busiest Years to Date
Frankel’s year has included more than runway appearances. She officially hard-launched her members-only dating app, The Core, and her boyfriend, former Princeton hockey player turned financier Shane L. Campbell. She has also been open about her health. In January, Frankel told her TikTok followers she was diagnosed with Stage 2 chronic kidney disease. By February, her doctor had diagnosed her with Stage 3A chronic kidney disease, which she also shared online.
Despite her health concerns, Bethanny Frankel seems to be enjoying life on and off the runway. She told Page Six she is “happy” to be a part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit family, and continues to share food reviews, photos with her partner, advice, and stylish selfies on social media.
How and Where to Watch the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show
Fans can watch Frankel and the other Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models in action when the runway show streams on Hulu & Hulu on Disney Plus starting June 9.
