If you've ever splurged on a Frankies Bikinis set, you already know the name Francesca Aiello. The 29-year-old founder who built one of the most recognizable swimwear brands on the planet was spotted today living her best beach life in Malibu — and honestly, she's serving the exact energy we're all chasing this spring break season.
Aiello hit the sand with her fiancé, retired NBA star Blake Griffin, looking effortlessly cool in a patterned bikini that had the unmistakable California-girl DNA her brand is famous for. The couple held hands, walked their dog, and apparently had the kind of spontaneous beach moment you only see in movies (we'll leave the finer details of that condom discovery to TMZ). The point is: she looked incredible.
Photo via TMZ
The Woman Behind Frankies Bikinis
Francesca Aiello started Frankies Bikinis at 17 years old, inspired by her Malibu upbringing and a desire to create swimwear that actually felt like California. By 19, she was the youngest designer to show at Miami Swim Week. Now, at 29, she's engaged to one of the most recognizable athletes of the last decade and still designing some of the most-coveted bikinis on the internet.
What's remarkable about Aiello's aesthetic — and you can see it even in candid beach photos — is how effortlessly her pieces photograph. The patterned bikini she wore today had that classic Frankies signature: bold print, flattering cut, the kind of thing that looks equally good in an Instagram post and in real life. It's the brand's whole vibe, and it's why the label commands search interest in the hundreds of thousands every single month.
She and Griffin got engaged in late 2024 after reconnecting in 2023 following an earlier relationship. Their beach day today had that newly-engaged energy — relaxed, happy, completely unbothered by the cameras. Relationship goals, honestly.
Photo via TMZ
Get the Frankies Bikinis Aesthetic — Without the Price Tag
Here's the thing about Frankies Bikinis: the designs are genuinely beautiful, but the prices can be rough. A matching set typically runs $120–$200+, which is a real commitment for a trend-forward piece you'll wear to the pool. If you love the bold, California-girl print aesthetic Francesca Aiello has built her empire on but want more bang for your beach budget, Audi Swim's Bow Babe Collection hits that same energy — structured triangle top, cheeky contrast bottoms, playful color palette — starting at just $17.99 per piece.
- Bow Babe Contrast Top - Pink ($17.99) — Adjustable triangle top with contrast detailing. Bold, feminine, and perfect for that California-girl moment.
- Bow Babe Contrast Bottoms - Pink ($17.99) — Cheeky thong bottoms with the same contrast trim. Mix, match, or wear as a set.
- Bow Babe Contrast Top - Sky Blue ($17.99) — If you're vibing with something a little cooler and more unique, the sky blue colorway is having a major moment right now.
The Bow Babe Collection is made from Luxe-Flex nylon-spandex — the same premium stretch fabric used in designer swimwear — and it's built to move with you. Whether you're doing a Francesca Aiello-level Malibu beach stroll or just hitting your apartment rooftop pool, you'll look the part.
The Bigger Trend: Founder-Influencers and the Swimwear You're Actually Buying
What makes today's Francesca Aiello beach moment more interesting than just another celebrity bikini sighting is the meta-layer: she's not just wearing a bikini, she's wearing her brand's entire philosophy. Every time the Frankies Bikinis founder steps out on a beach, it's essentially a live product demo for her company. And it works — the label continues to be one of the most searched swimwear brands online.
If you're in the market for something that captures that same aesthetic — bold prints, confident cuts, California-girl energy — but want to explore beyond the one major brand everyone already knows, there's a whole world of indie swimwear labels worth discovering. Audi Swim is built on exactly that premise: bring the design-forward, unapologetic boldness of designer swimwear to a price point that doesn't require a second thought.
For a deep dive into everything the Frankies Bikinis aesthetic covers and the best alternatives for every budget, check out our full guide: Best Frankies Bikinis Alternatives for 2026. And if you're figuring out exactly what kind of triangle or string bikini is your match, our Triangle Bikini Style & Fit Guide breaks it all down.
More Celebrity Beach Inspo
Can't get enough of the spring 2026 beach moment? Gigi Hadid's Guest in Residence spring campaign is another stunning one to bookmark, and Dua Lipa's gold Osérée bikini beach date is the gold-standard beach look of the season (literally).
Spring is moving fast — your beach wardrobe shouldn't wait. Shop the Audi Swim full collection and find your boldest look for 2026.
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