The SkinnyGirl entrepreneur shared her views in an Instagram video on October 21, following the October 18 show, which featured celebrities and models including Kylie Jenner, Barbara Palvin, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. The event also included performances by Tate McRae and Megan Thee Stallion.
Jenner attracted attention for wearing a diamond-encrusted bra valued at $50 million. However, the outfit drew criticism from some fans who questioned the extravagant display amid ongoing economic challenges.
Frankel, 55, dismissed some of the criticism, arguing that the brand needed to sell products throughout the year.
"Money talks, Kylie Jenner walks, and they got to sell bras throughout the year," she said, defending the decision to feature the reality television star at the event.
She also challenged people who claimed the fashion show was better in the past, arguing that its original appeal had always centred on spectacle and entertainment.
"People saying, 'I miss what it used to be,' as if it's some puritanical event that's really drastically changed," Frankel said.
She explained that previous editions featured musical performers, including Justin Timberlake, alongside glamorous models, making the latest show consistent with the event's traditional format.
However, Frankel acknowledged that the fashion show's earlier culture was not without its problems. She recalled an environment where some models drank champagne, smoked cigarettes and faced pressure to maintain extremely low body weights to qualify for the runway.
"What it really used to be was girls drinking champagne and smoking cigarettes" and trying "to stay under 86 pounds to get down the runway," she said.
Despite these concerns, Frankel praised the latest edition for its progress in representation and diversity. She described the show as a step forward in terms of inclusivity and multiculturalism compared with earlier versions.
"We've come a long way, baby," she added.
Frankel also commented on the changing modelling industry, arguing that social media personalities have become the new supermodels. She urged critics to recognise the commercial realities behind celebrity appearances and fashion events.
She further joked about the audience, suggesting that finance professionals in suits were among the biggest admirers of supermodels.
