Bethenny Frankel revealed her very inspiring reason behind her recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue spread.
The 55-year-old “Real Housewives of New York” alum stunned as she was named one of the magazine’s SI Swimsuit rookies in March 2026. Now, she’s opening up about why she decided to rock a bikini for the shoot, after previously walking in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami in 2025.
The incredible photos were taken in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, with Frankel making her debut alongside Livvy Dunne, Brooks Nader, Ilona Maher, Lauren Chan, Hunter McGrady, Jocelyn Corona, Haley Kalil, and Molly Sims.
Why Bethenny Posed for Sports Illustrated
In a new interview with Page Six Style, Frankel explained why she felt the shoot was so important, as well as what she hoped to inspire by participating.
“It feels like I’m showing up for women my age in a very real way,” she told the outlet.
“There’s this narrative that we’re somehow past our prime, and I just don’t subscribe to that,” she continued. “I want women to see that you can feel messy, tired, or not your best most days, but when it’s time to show up, you absolutely can.”
As for how she prepared, Frankel said she didn’t step outside her usual routine.
“I think being consistent with my wellness routines really proved itself when I walked onto the beach for the shoot and felt ready to go,” she said of what she called the “fun and inspiring” shoot.
Bethenny’s Recent RHONY Reunion
RoC SkincareBethenny’s comments come after she recently reunited with a pair of her former RHONY costars.
On April 8, RoC Skincare released a new ad campaign starring Frankel, Ramona Singer and Sonja Morgan.
According to a press release from the brand, the three were recruited “to support the national reveal of the brand’s breakthrough Retinol Correxion Rich Cream.” The announcement explained that the new formula “is powered by RoC’s new Patented Clinical Retinol, which is seven times more effective than traditional Retinol.”
“As Sonja and Ramona prepare to step back into the spotlight together for the first time in nearly a decade, Bethenny leads them on a journey to Paris to prepare for their highly anticipated fall reunion,” the press release added.
In an interview posted to Instagram, Frankel said she tapped Singer and Morgan to appear in the campaign with her after they approached her for a collab.
Watch the hilarious reunion video below.
Doesn’t look like her at all.