Bethenny Frankel’s confidence only grows with time.
Frankel, 55, exclusively revealed to Us Weekly on Tuesday, June 9, that she is the oldest model to walk the Sports Illustrated swimsuit runway.
“I feel more free,” the Real Housewives of New York City alum told Us about this stage in her life on Tuesday, June 9. “I feel happy and proud. I don’t think anyone cares, but I feel like I can earn extra credit points with this.”
“The biggest thing is that women fail. I never thought about my age until that show. Yes, women feel abandoned, left out, excluded. They’ve aged in a way…This has changed things.”
Frankel went on to say that she “didn’t realize” she was representing older women, but felt honored by the support she received. “They were like, ‘You represent us, you go.’ That’s great, that’s the biggest thing,” she told us.
One of the reasons Frankel loves the SI Swimsuit runway is because “I see everyone being confident in their body type, size, race, height, butt, breasts, legs, tan, etc.” “It’s very powerful,” she explained. “You’re just the right fit.”
“Changing the concept of age is of great value because it’s what people think about most: anti-aging,” added Bravolebrity.
As for where her confidence comes from, Frankel said it’s “practice.”
“It’s like a well-honed craft, and the more you practice, the more confident you become, because you see that it works, and you see that women care a lot about how they look,” she said, noting that it’s not just about looks. “Focus on your individuality, focus on entertaining, focus on being smart, focus on having a presence, owning the room, and being interested,” she advised. “Anyone can be hot these days… so be confident.”
Walking the runway, Frankel looked her best in a blue and white crochet bikini that featured triangle cups and string bottoms. She then changed into a black set with sweetheart cups and strappy bottoms.
In preparation for the show, she used SofWave and PureImpact to look picture perfect. “I’ve had several SofWave and PureImpact treatments (to lift skin on the face and body),” she said of the muscle-toning device that stimulates movement. “I did it a few times before last year’s show and before this year’s show. I know I’m going to be sore after it’s over, but…I’m working harder than I did before because everyone was on my mind.”
