NEW YORK, Mar 2, 2002/ --- Not that there necessarily was a market for bottom-baring bikinis, but Danielle Clarke, the designer behind the famously low-cut denim line, Frankie B., is expanding into swimwear for spring.

Inspired by the success of her jeans -- which have been slung seductively-low around everyone from the curvilinear J. Lo to the stick-thin Christina Aguilera - Clarke's swimwear line will include triangle and bandeau tops, terry cloth fabrics, pinstripes of natural, mango and mint green, and side-tie bottoms, cut unquestionably low.

"I could never find bathing-suits that fit properly, and were still sexy," explains Clarke of the frustrations that similarly fueled her to start the line of low-rise jeans.

"And swimwear just seems like a natural progression of the company," adds the L.A resident.

Also slotted for summer? A new line of casual separates like cotton fleece tube dresses, skirts and tops, hip-hugging terry cloth sweat pants, and shorts.

The swimwear line will be available March 30 in stores such as Fred Segal and Traffic in L.A., Patricia Field and Henri Bendel in NYC, and Saks Fifth Avenues nationwide.

For more information about Frankie B, please log on: www.frankieb.com