We first met Briana Bigham last year as when she trounced into our living rooms each week as the focused fashionista and self-proclaimed "bag lady" on the BET series 'Harlem Heights.' The finale of that show debuted her line of handbags, B. Marie Designs.

Since 'Harlem Heights,' Bigham has continued to work on the line, in addition to maintaining her full-time job at a major fashion brand.

For this year's centennial NAACP convention, Briana and her bags were in full effect as she not only hosted the fashion show 'Runway to the Future' but also showcased her fall line, which she describes as "vintage blue-denim inspired."

"I am co-hosting the show with one of my fellow FIT classmates and good friends, Jerome Lamaar Fortez," say Bigham. "He was a major part of Baby Phat in branding and design. We are the emcees who will entertain and introduce the designers."

In addition to B. Marie Designs, other notable and up and coming African American designers featured in the show include Funk'n Beautiful by Terrie Stevens of Project Runway, Byron Lars' Beauty Mark, Shades of Grey, Durant by Robert Durant, Shehaai U.S.A, Fames Allure Clothing, Autumn Adeigbo's Color Culture Conscience, Educated Negro, Human Intonations, and DeenScene.

(photo credit from show: Kitty Bradshaw)

How excited are you to be the host of Runway to the Future, the NAACP Youth & College Division presented fashion show?

I'm extremely excited. One of my main causes is to use whatever platform I have to promote talented independent black designers.

In an industry that has been hit directly by the financial crisis, and at the moment basically has a blackout period going on, it is important to support our own.The NAACP is celebrating its 100th anniversary so this is an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to host these established and up-and-coming designers.

What was your inspiration for this new line?

My inspiration is '70s vintage blue denim, and combining it with very structured styles for spring. The fabric selection will be toned down compared to the previous season to concentrate on the detail of the bag

How has your line taken off since 'Harlem Heights?'

Being able to show my bags on a world stage was a blessing. I am extremely humbled to BET for the opportunity. I am getting order requests from as far as New Zealand. And will be in magazines fall fashion. It's great.

How can we get your bags?

My collection launches this fall. You can log onto http://www.bmariestyle.com for more info and to see the styles.

What's next?

The fall collection was a teaser for what's to come. The spring line will be large with many must-have styles. Look out for it. In the meantime, I am tapping into the custom bag-design business. My dream is to produce the next Birkin bag with exotic skin and a personalized feel by order only. For details, please inquire at info@bmariestyle.com.