From Real Housewives to a cover model. The Real Housewives of New York alum Bethenny Frankel has been on the cover of countless magazines. But at 55, she finally made her Sports Illustrated debut. Stay on this page to see the stunning photo of the reality star in a tiny bikini, flaunting her toned abs.
Sports Illustrated Teases 2026 Swimsuit Models
The swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated is hugely popular. It was created in 1964 to boost readership. Over 60 years later, it outsells the regular magazine. The 2026 full issue comes out in May. But the magazine gave a preview of what readers can expect.
Like many mediums in recent years, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has moved away from traditional models and spotlighted reality stars or social media influencers. But the swimsuit issues also features athletes. Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher is in the 2026 swimsuit edition, as is model Molly Sims.
Social media influencers Hayley Baylee and Olivia Dunn posed for the magazine. Model and reality star Brooks Nader has a feature photo in the swimsuit edition. The Real Housewives of New York alum Bethenny Frankel makes her debut at the age of 55.
Bethenny Frankel, 55, Flaunts Toned Abs In SI Debut
Bethenny Frankel has collaborated with Sports Illustrated before. She walked in the magazine’s 2025 runway in Miami, Florida, in 2025. Vanderpump Rules star Stassi Schroeder and social media influencer Alix Earle were also included. Apparently, the magazine liked what they saw.
The RHONY alum is among the 2026 SI Swimsuit models. Bethenny Frankel, 55, sported a black and beige tiny bikini that left little to the imagination. The former Real Housewives star showed off her toned body, including her abs.
Fans Divided Over Photo
Everyone can share their opinions on social media. That’s a blessing and a curse. Sports Illustrated readers were divided over Bethenny Frankel’s photo. Some thought it was stunning, but others wondered how real it was.
- “What a freakin babe!!!!!”
- “This picture doesn’t even look like Bethany‘s face. Anything can be Photoshopped, & that’s what it looks like in this picture.”
- “OMG!!! You’re officially a supermodel at 55?! On Sports Illustrated?! You’re truly a living legend”
- “AI is so cool.”
- “Beauty!! I love the representation of the over 50 age”
- “Beautiful woman your hair is lighter it make your face shine”
- “The photographer failed you…you’re way hotter than this.”
- “Strong, beautiful, middle aged woman absolutely killing it. More of this!”
- “50s is the new 30s”
Being photographed for SI Swimsuit is a huge honor. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity few would turn down. Tell us in the comments what you think of Bethenny Frankel’s swimsuit photo.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
