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Bethenny Frankel just made history as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie at 55. The businesswoman and television personality stars in the 2026 issue, shot in stunning Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She’s rewriting the rulebook on age and confidence.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Historic Debut: Bethenny, age 55, becomes a SI Swimsuit rookie in the 2026 issue
- Runway Ready: She previously walked the SI Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami last summer
- Photography Location: Shot by renowned photographer James Macari in Mexico
- Issue Release: The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands in May
From TV Star to Swimsuit Model: The Latest Power Move
Bethenny Frankel’s transition to SI Swimsuit represents a bold reinvention at an age when many retreat. The founder of Skinnygirl has built her career on defying expectations. Her Bravo fame skyrocketed with The Real Housewives of New York. Now she’s proving that swimsuit modeling isn’t reserved for the young.
Her path began last summer when she walked the SI Swimsuit Runway in fabulous form. That runway moment was a preview of bigger things. The confidence she displayed caught the magazine’s attention immediately. Frankel’s unapologetic presence changed the conversation about who belongs in swimwear editorials.
Bethenny Frankel makes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut at 55
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The Skinnygirl Mogul Steps Into Haute Shoots
Before swimsuit spreads, Bethenny built an empire from scratch. She sold Skinnygirl margarita for an estimated $100 million, cementing her status as a self-made businesswoman. That same entrepreneurial energy now fuels her modeling career.
She’s never shied away from reinvention. Television personality, author, wellness entrepreneur, and now magazine cover star. Her philosophy remains consistent: be authentic and own your power. Frankel told Page Six Style after the runway: “I just wanted to be myself, being confident and having fun.”
Loreto Shoot: The Behind-The-Scenes Magic In Mexico
The photoshoot unfolded in picturesque Loreto, where Bethenny modeled multiple looks. She posed in a stunning black-and-tan geometric bikini by Tropic of C. The two-piece ($100 top and bottom) featured thin straps and intricate patterning. Her hair cascaded in beachy waves, completing the editorial aesthetic.
| Detail | Information |
| Issue | 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit |
| Model Status | Rookie |
| Photographer | James Macari |
| Shoot Location | Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico |
Behind-the-scenes footage shows Bethenny in full charm mode, joking about needing water. Her warmth and humor shine through. Photographer Macari captured not just a model, but a personality lighting up the frame. The seaside setting became the perfect backdrop for her confidence.
“I just wanted to be myself, being confident and having fun. No one’s confusing me with a model, and trying to be one would’ve been inauthentic.”
— Bethenny Frankel, talking to Page Six Style
Who Else Graces The 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue Cover?
Bethenny joins an impressive roster of 2026 rookies and returning stars. Brooks Nader returns in a barely-there brown string bikini with shell ornaments. Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher brings her athletic edge in black mesh with a matching crochet cover-up.
The issue also features Molly Sims, Livvy Dunne, and Jocelyn Corona, another rookie. Sports Illustrated celebrates diversity, body positivity, and confidence at every age. Bethenny’s inclusion signals the magazine’s commitment to showcasing women who’ve built legacies. The May newsstand date can’t come soon enough for fans anticipating this groundbreaking issue.
What Does This Mean for 55-Year-Old Women Everywhere?
Bethenny’s debut challenges outdated beauty standards head-on. Being fifty-five and landing a SI Swimsuit feature sends a powerful message. Age is irrelevant when you have confidence, fitness, and presence. She recently relocated to Florida with her daughter Brynn, embracing a lifestyle that celebrates vitality.
The Skinnygirl founder continues her reign as a cultural influencer by refusing to fade away. Whether building brands or modeling swimwear, Bethenny stays in the conversation. Her unfiltered authenticity resonates across generations. Could this signal more mature women modeling in future issues? Bethenny’s success suggests the answer is almost certainly yes.
Sources
- Page Six – Exclusive coverage of Bethenny Frankel’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debut
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit – Behind-the-scenes footage and official 2026 issue reveal
- InStyle – Fashion and styling details from the photoshoot
