Francesca Aiello

Francesca Aiello is an American swimwear designer, fashion entrepreneur, and bikini model best known as the founder and creative director of the luxury beachwear brand Frankies Bikinis. Born and raised in Malibu, California, Aiello developed a deep passion for beach fashion and surf culture from an early age. She rose to prominence after establishing her brand as a high school student and quickly transformed it into an internationally recognized lifestyle label favored by top supermodels, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Early Life and Brand Origins

Growing up along the coastline of Malibu, Aiello spent much of her youth involved in junior lifeguarding and surfing. Frustrated by the lack of well-fitting and fashionable bikinis on the market, she began designing custom swimwear for herself with the encouragement of her mother, Mimi Aiello. After posting her initial creations on Instagram, demand from friends and followers grew rapidly. In 2012, mother and daughter officially launched Frankies Bikinis, establishing an Instagram-first business strategy that capitalized on social media marketing before it became an industry standard.

Career and Business Success

In 2014, at just 19 years old, Aiello made fashion history by becoming the youngest designer ever to showcase a collection at Miami Swim Week. Under her creative leadership, Frankies Bikinis expanded beyond swimsuits to include activewear, lounge apparel, knits, and beauty products. Over the years, Aiello has spearheaded high-profile fashion collaborations with prominent cultural icons, including Gigi Hadid, Sydney Sweeney, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Osaka, and Kylie Jenner. Her entrepreneurial accomplishments earned her a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022.

Personal Life and Media Presence

In addition to directing her brand, Aiello maintains an active personal presence as a bikini model and influencer, frequently sharing lifestyle content, personal styling ideas, and behind-the-scenes previews of upcoming collections. She resides in Southern California and maintains strong ties to her hometown beach community. In early 2025, Aiello became engaged to former NBA All-Star player Blake Griffin, with whom she has maintained a public relationship since 2023.