His clothing creations are airy, simple and light. They exude peacefulness and harmony with their flow and lines.

So it's no surprise that local designer Ricky Richardson's Earth-tone outfits are becoming popular with those looking for the natural look.

Mr. Richardson, who sells his `Spirit Wear' line from his Pembroke parish home -- where he also sells under the name of Natural Spirit -- staged his fourth fashion show last weekend, displaying many of his newest spring and summer lines. And spirited dressers this season will be wearing colours from greens and oranges to a new paprika.

"The fashion shows have been mostly personal and private showings, last year's Fall show was the first public showing with a larger audience. I'm now branching out to allow more people to see my clothing,'' he said.

Mr. Richardson, who has also built a reputation for doing `natural' hairstyles, said he started designing clothes a few years ago doing personal things for friends and himself: "I wanted to make the things I wanted to wear plus there is too much of one style of clothing here. I later expanded and started sewing for other people.

"Because of the growth of clients I now send my designs to New York where they are made. My designs are simple, easy wearing and loose.

"The fabric I use is all natural linens and cottons. I focus on using handmade fabrics because they are easy to wear, versatile, cooler and comfortable.

"Spirit Wear, which is for both men an women, exudes harmony and peace. Most people love the way it makes them feel and that is what it is all about,'' Mr.

Richardson said.

He added that the line is sold with other designs from friends of his, who are also New York designers.

"We have flowy dresses, pants suits, and two-piece skirt suits. They are not just straight up and down; they have different lines which gives the clothing a little something extra.

The line on some of the outfits also lend itself to fuller figure women,'' Mr.

Richardson added.

Looking into the future Mr. Richardson said: "There are so many places we can go but we want to develop a larger clientele before having a Natural Spirit Wear store.'' His friend and fellow designer, Greta Wallace of New York, sells some of her designs -- which are under the label Simply Greta -- through her Natural Spirit connection.

She said: "My clothing line is also flowy and comfortable. We also sell accessories that compliment the outfits some of which are hand painted, silk screened and tie dyed.'' Miss Wallace added that for Mr. Richardson and her to create their designs they have had to "pull from the past, fused with the present and are extending to the future.'' Mr. Richardson said the Spirit Wear collection blends different styles from the far east and borrows a little from the western world: "The fusion gives you that new age look. There is a neck line from here and a colour from there.

"The demand is greater for clothing with a natural feel,'' Miss Wallace said.

"People are trying to do less as far as makeup and hair is concerned and they are also looking for clothes that are elegant and stylish but comfortable - with a natural look. It is just that time, people want a natural feeling with their clothes.'' She added: "Africa is our inspiration. We love Asia for the Zen, India for the grace and Africa for the colour and drama.'' Mr. Richardson said the important element of his designs is the fact that you can always throw pieces together to create a new look. He also said that despite the fact that the material used does wrinkle it still looks good and natural.

"Most of my clients tell me that the more Spirit Wear they wear the more they want it.

"I have had customers who come and look at what I have and then leave, and a week or two later they call to say they have to have that dress or that suit because the idea of it, and the feel of it has stayed on their minds.'' One satisfied customer, Olivia Carter told The Royal Gazette : "Ricky's clothes make you feel natural and free. It is a non-restricting clothing line and it is my main social activity wear.'' Spirit Wear clothes range in price from $95 to $300. All the men's suits are $195 to $275.

Photos by Ras Mykkal A NATURAL FEEL -- Designer Ricky Richardson's first local fashion show was judged a resounding success. Bermudians were given a preview of his Spirit Wear clothing line, which builds on natural Earth-tones, easy-wear fabrics and casual looks. He sells clothing for both men and women. Designer friends from New York -- such as Greta Wallace (above left) have also contributed to his collection.