At Fornarina, it’s time for a little extra sand and skin.

The 57 year old Italian company, best known for its colorful and funky footwear, will introduce swimwear and innerwear lines for spring. Sand and Skin, as the collection will be called, respectively, will make their retail debuts in March 2005, with a possible runway event in Las Vegas. Skin lingerie is all American with a Fornarina kick; sweet floral prints and gingham checked ruffles and bows, as well as black lace sets, sportier tanks and boy briefs.

Gingham has also found its way into the Sand collection, but there’s an element of Mary Ann and Ginger gone “Temptation Island.” Polkadot patterns and crochet skirts complement sleek, sexy maillots in solid hues, all wholesaling from $27 to $55.

“This line is not for swimming laps in, it’s more along the lines of lounging on the beach or for a pool party,” said Scoop NYC store manager, Natalie Lawson.

With this new collection Fornarina ups its lifestyle brand quotient.

The company has footwear and apparel, both of which are designed in house, and is making preparations for handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses. This is the third launch of the year for Fornarina.