Bethenny Frankel, the 54-year-old entrepreneur and reality TV star, made a headline-grabbing appearance at the 2025 Miami Swim Week, taking the stage at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show. Known for her unapologetic personality, Frankel captivated the audience with her daring swimwear choices, including a bold pink and black polka-dot bikini and a denim bikini, each showcasing her enviable physique. The former Real Housewives of New York star’s runway walk was filled with energy and confidence, which resonated with some viewers, while others voiced their disapproval.
One of the most talked-about moments of Frankel’s runway appearance came when she tossed a sheer skirt to reveal micro-thong bottoms underneath, an act that sparked both admiration and controversy. While many praised her for embracing her body and confidently showcasing her style, others took to social media to criticize the choice of attire, with some questioning the appropriateness of such bold fashion statements on the runway.
Amid the mixed reactions, Frankel received public support from Lauren Sánchez, the fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Sánchez took to social media to praise Frankel’s performance, commending her for her energy and confident presentation on the runway. In an enthusiastic post, Sánchez celebrated Frankel’s physique, stating, “She’s a force and shows the world what confidence and self-love look like!” This public endorsement from Sánchez helped to shift the narrative for Frankel, drawing attention away from the criticisms and emphasizing the positive aspects of her appearance.
Despite the online backlash, Frankel stood her ground and defended her bold choice, emphasizing the importance of body positivity and self-empowerment. In a statement on social media, she acknowledged that the runway presentation was not without its challenges, explaining the significant effort and preparation that all the models underwent prior to stepping on stage. Frankel also took a moment to share how much her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn, supported her during the event, expressing how proud she was of her mother’s ability to confidently own her look.
The combination of applause and criticism surrounding Frankel’s appearance reflects broader discussions about body image, aging, and confidence in the fashion industry. In an age where diversity and inclusivity are increasingly celebrated on the runway, Frankel’s presence as a 54-year-old woman showing off her body in such bold styles is an example of the growing trend of older women asserting their place in spaces traditionally dominated by younger models.
While some detractors felt Frankel’s choice of swimwear was too provocative for her age, others saw it as a powerful statement on self-empowerment and defying conventional beauty standards. Frankel’s decision to participate in such a high-profile event, coupled with her unapologetic presentation, reinforced her ongoing commitment to breaking barriers and challenging societal expectations.
In addition to the body positivity message, Frankel also drew attention to the intense preparation that all the models had to undergo in order to present their looks on the runway. Behind-the-scenes photos shared on social media highlighted the long hours of training, diet regimens, and fitting sessions that all the models endured to ensure they looked their best. Frankel, in particular, emphasized the discipline and focus required to step out on stage in front of an international audience, revealing the hard work behind what appeared to be a flawless performance.
Bethenny Frankel’s runway moment at Miami Swim Week 2025 was not just about fashion—it was a statement on confidence, self-love, and the importance of embracing one’s body at any age. As the fashion industry continues to evolve and reflect more diverse representations, Frankel’s appearance proves that beauty and confidence can transcend age and shape, sparking conversations on what it truly means to be a model in the modern era.