Confidence is key.
That’s true of Bethenny Frankel’s appearance during the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show at W South Beach on Saturday in Miami Beach, Florida. The “Real Housewives of New York City” alum strutted in swimwear along with big names like Jordan Chiles, Alix Earle, Lauren Chan, Jena Sims and Ilona Maher.
But at 54, Frankel’s presence as a not-so-typical model made many women feel seen and drew a slew of positive reactions: “54 is the new 29”, one social media user declared on video of Frankel joyfully dancing her way down the catwalk in a pink and black bikini, untying a sheer black sarong and throwing the cover-up to the crowd to show off her full look.
Viewers noticed one thing about Frankel: In an array of one- and two-piece suits (including one paired with a cowboy hat), she was glowing. While the shine may have been slightly attributed to eye-popping glam and her newly-muted hair color, the glimmer was also something coming from within: A knowingness she belonged among the cast of models and other professional performers on stage.
“Women all over the world are rejoicing this moment… not because she’s older, but because she has never been a model and here she is showing us we can be whatever we want in this lifetime,” one social media user said, praising Frankel’s inclusion in the show.
Sports Illustrated has a track record of bucking the idea that sexy is only for younger women, according to Einav Rabinovitch-Fox, professor of American politics and gender at Case Western Reserve University The magazine championed Martha Stewart at 81 years old on its cover last year. Stewart’s cover, like Frankel’s walk, put older women in a spotlight they aren’t typically afforded.
And, Frankel’s scantily-clad moment comes amid much discourse involving modesty for women in the spotlight. Halle Berry, 58, made some people furious for her pelvic cleavage at the Met Gala last month. Then, the Cannes Film Festival banned nude dressing on the red carpet, directing celebrities to cover up the cut-outs. And for older women, the scrutiny is even harsher while Frankel is embracing her glam, peer stars like Pamela Anderson have opted for no-make natural beauty in their later years.
But perhaps what’s more important as we talk about how women dress or look is focusing on why we need them to look one way or another, said Rabinovitch-Fox. Whether women are embracing wrinkles after 50 or hiding them doing what feels right for them is empowerment, she said.
“If what for you feels empowering is going to the gym or a runway, that’s great,” she said. “But we can also give grace to women who are like, ‘I’m just going to look my age and I don’t care.'”
And while we can celebrate with Frankel, we should remember not to make her too aspirational because every woman’s body ages differently, Rabinovitch-Fox said. Many women grapple with accepting the changes brought by menopause, post-birth tummies and wrinkles amid crushing pressure to be small-bodied and smooth-skinned. Give Frankel her flowers, Rabinovitch-Fox said, but know that’s what 54 looks like her for her — not everyone.
One social media captured this essence, praising Frankel for the happiness within, which shined as much as her outfits in the show: “What I love about this is that Bethany looks like she’s having so much fun & that’s what it’s all about.”
