PHOTOGRAPHY was the inspiration behind Carmen Woods' latest handbag designs.

Carmen's designs, which she sells in Carmen Boutique in Leigh Broadway, are usually intricate leather creations.

However, for her spring collection Carmen wanted to try out printed fabric bag range using the latest in digital printing.

The Petal Collection features a range of floral clutch bags, from £25 for a smart phone clutch, £45 for a medium clutch and £69 for an ipad clutch.

Carmen, 35, who lives in Leigh, says: "With the collection I was inspired by the floral trend but I wanted to steer away from the prettiness of flowers and florals in favour of an edgier look.

"I took off the petals of some flowers and arranged them on a striking, black velvety background to create a dramatic image.”

It is the second time Carmen has used digital printing for a collection. The first was a jewellery printed design which featured in Grazia Magazine.

“It was so popular I decided to design another printed fabric collection,” says Carmen.

Carmen studied fashion design at Ravensbourne College in London before moving to Italy to work as a fashioner designer and later setting up an accessories business.

In 2008 she decided to move back to Leigh, close to where she grew up in Thorpe Bay, and set up Carmen Boutique.

She says: "It seemed like the perfect opportunity. I am passionate about handbag design and it has meant I am able to design the handbags by listening to what customers tell me they like.

"What I do is based on the fact that I believe that luxury should be for every day not just for special occasions."

The Petal Collection is now available in the Carmen Boutique and online at www.carmenwoods.com.