Bethenny Frankel is back in the headlines — and this time, it’s not for a Skinnygirl launch or reality TV feud. The 54-year-old turned Instagram upside down Thursday with a steamy bikini video that had fans and celebs alike doing double takes.
Frankel, best known for her role on “The Real Housewives of New York,” flaunted a barely-there floral bikini while lip-syncing to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” teasing her appearance at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025 runway show in Miami. One minute she was behind a tent flap, the next — boom — she was strutting into the sun in full glam, complete with layered jewelry and a cowboy hat.
Her caption? “Sports Illustrated is heating up Miami.” And judging by the comments, that’s an understatement.
Why Frankel’s Post Blew Up
It wasn’t just another bikini video. It hit differently.
Frankel’s followers didn’t just like the post. They loved it. Fire emojis, heart-eyes, applause — the comment section lit up like it was New Year’s Eve.
One fan shouted, “Whooop!!! Bring the 🔥🔥 in Miami sweets!” while another dropped, “I just put down my sandwich 🔥.” Britani Bateman from “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” didn’t hold back either: “Whoa!!!!! Crazy hot bod.”
At 54, Frankel isn’t slowing down — and she doesn’t care to play it safe. She knows what she’s doing, and she’s clearly enjoying it.
A Look at the Video That’s Causing a Stir
The clip was short but packed a punch.
Frankel strutted out of a black tent, dancing playfully while grabbing a cowboy hat and showing off her midsection, tied up in stringy bikini straps. She looked confident, playful, and not the least bit concerned about internet trolls.
For many, it was a refreshing dose of unfiltered self-love. Others saw it as a reminder that women over 50 aren’t just relevant — they’re thriving.
Frankel’s New Chapter in Florida
This isn’t just a bikini moment — it’s part of a bigger shift.
In April, Frankel revealed she was officially trading Connecticut for Florida, citing “personal and professional reasons.” She called it the “healthiest” decision for herself and her daughter, 15-year-old Bryn.
Her exact words? “The Sunshine State will be our primary and permanent residence.”
She’s still keeping places in New York and the Hamptons, though. As she said, “We love New York.” But Florida is where she’ll be planting roots.
And lately, that’s where the cameras have found her — on beaches, poolside, and prepping for her Sports Illustrated splash.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025: What to Expect
Frankel isn’t just showing up to Miami Swim Week — she’s going all in.
She posted a behind-the-scenes shot on her Instagram Story: a clothing rack packed with colorful swimsuits. She captioned it, “Getting @si_swimsuit runway ready.” A little teaser, a lot of excitement.
Let’s break it down — who else is expected to hit the SI 2025 stage?
| Celebrity Name | Age | Known For | Last SI Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethenny Frankel | 54 | RHONY, Skinnygirl | Debut |
| Megan Fox | 38 | Actress, model | 2023 |
| Camille Kostek | 33 | Model, former cheerleader | Regular since 2019 |
| Leyna Bloom | 31 | Actress, activist, model | 2021 |
| Jasmine Sanders | 33 | Fashion model | Frequent feature |
Frankel being included in this lineup? That’s a big deal — and one that breaks the mold.
Fans Are Here for It
There’s something about this comeback — or maybe it’s not even a comeback. Maybe it’s just Bethenny doing Bethenny.
Some called it “unreal.” Others used words like “iconic,” “fearless,” and “unexpected.” Whatever you want to call it, it made people talk — and not in that fake, PR-push kind of way.
Frankel isn’t asking for approval. She’s grabbing attention, unapologetically.
And fans seem more than happy to ride along.
The Larger Conversation: Age, Style, and Visibility
This isn’t just about swimwear. It’s about visibility — and age.
Frankel is part of a growing trend of women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond refusing to fade into the background. Celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and Heidi Klum are part of that club. But Frankel? She brings something else. A bit more grit. More edge.
Here’s what this moment speaks to:
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Age is no longer a boundary for expression.
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Social media isn’t just for the 20-somethings anymore.
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Body positivity doesn’t stop at 30 or 40 — or 54.
Frankel has spent years building her brand, her image, her hustle. Now she’s flipping the script. No longer just a businesswoman or former reality star. She’s a full-on vibe.
And with SI Swim 2025 on the horizon, she’s proving — loudly — that she’s not done making headlines just yet.
