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Bethenny Frankel has made her mark as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. The former Bravo star and successful entrepreneur, at 55, has secured her spot as a rookie in the SI Swimsuit lineup, traveling to the picturesque locale of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, for her feature in the 2026 edition of the renowned magazine.
Her collaboration with Sports Illustrated began last summer, stepping into the spotlight during the Sports Illustrated Runway Show in Miami. Reflecting on that experience, Frankel shared with Page Six Style her desire to simply be herself, emphasizing the importance of confidence and enjoyment in the process.
Despite her notable debut, Frankel was candid about her self-perception. “No one’s confusing me with a model,” she remarked, acknowledging that trying to fit into that mold wouldn’t feel genuine. However, with her appearance in the latest SI Swimsuit issue, she might just have to reconsider her stance on the matter.
“I just wanted to be myself,” she told Page Six Style post-show, adding that it was all about “being confident and having fun.”
“No one’s confusing me with a model, and trying to be one would’ve been inauthentic,” she added — though Frankel might have to change her tune now that she’s featured in SI Swimsuit’s latest issue.
In an image from the 2026 mag Frankel and Sports Illustrated shared on Instagram Tuesday, the entrepreneur stands in profile, modeling a printed Tropic of C bikini top ($100) and bottom ($100).
Her hair cascades down her back in beachy waves.
Frankel also shared behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot’s set, quipping, “Does anyone have any water? Bc I am very thirsty today…”
Brooks Nader, Ilona Maher, Molly Sims, Livvy Dunne and more will appear in the new issue as well.
Frankel recently moved to Florida after calling New York — and then Connecticut — home with daughter Brynn and their two Lhasa Apsos, Biggy and Smallz.