Dina Manzo’s Daughter Calls Out Bethenny Frankel for Not Acknowledging Her Shoe Brand
Alexia Iannou Calls Out Bethenny Frankel Over Shoe Credit Dispute
In a recent social media skirmish, Alexia Iannou, daughter of Dina Manzo, publicly criticized reality star Bethenny Frankel for failing to credit her shoe brand, Nou, during a recent Instagram post.
Iannou’s rebuke came in an Instagram Reel where she described Frankel as a "weirdo." “I sent her a pair of shoes from Nou almost a year ago because I look up to her. She’s an entrepreneur, [in the] Bravo universe like me, and she’s been on ‘Shark Tank,’” Iannou stated, expressing her disappointment over Frankel’s lack of acknowledgment.
Following her comments, Iannou elaborated that although it was not uncommon for influencers to overlook brand mentions, she found it puzzling when Frankel posted a video featuring the shoes and linked to a similar pair from another brand instead of her own. “She didn’t tag us after wearing the shoes multiple times online… but today she posted a video that’s going viral and a bunch of people are asking where the shoes are,” Iannou explained. She highlighted that Frankel linked to an alternative option with an affiliate link, suggesting an intention to profit from the situation.
Frankel’s choice to promote a different brand, Black Suede Studio, where a similar pair retails for $345, further fueled Iannou’s frustration. Iannou remarked, “So, she got the shoes for free from a woman-founded brand — mine — and then she made money sending her followers somewhere else.”
Frankel was spotted wearing the mules during her appearance at the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Social Club, as evidenced by promotional images featuring the footwear. After receiving backlash, Frankel attempted to address the issue by later mentioning Nou in a separate Instagram post.
Notably, Manzo herself weighed in on the controversy, criticizing Frankel for not crediting Iannou’s entrepreneurial effort. “WOW BETHENNY WOW!!” she exclaimed, remarking on Frankel’s decision to promote a dupe rather than acknowledging her daughter’s work.
The back-and-forth culminated in Iannou’s decision to launch a limited pre-order for the shoes that Frankel wore, which are currently listed for $375. The incident underscores the challenges smaller brands face in gaining recognition in a competitive environment dominated by larger names.
