An iconic New York personality, a historic Bedford setting, and a room full of fascinating people.
The Original OG Influencer
They call me the OG influencer. But after spending an afternoon with Nikki Haskell, I think I may have to surrender my title. I’ve been blogging at StacyKnows since 2008, but Nikki was influencing people long before Instagram, TikTok, or even the word influencer became fashionable. And she is still at it.
From left: Bernadette Durham, Red Fox Gallery host, Nikki Haskell, Stacy Geisinger of StacyKnows, and artist Marla Enowitz, together for a memorable Bedford afternoon. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
It All Started at DeCicco’s
Only in Bedford could a trip to the supermarket lead to an afternoon with an icon. My friend Bernadette Durham of Red Fox Gallery told me about the gathering at our local DeCicco’s. A lifelong Bedford resident, Bernadette has deep roots here. Her mother Mary is a docent at Bedford’s historic courthouse, and I absolutely adore her. Bernadette hosted the event in one of our historic buildings.
From left: Lauren Leader and artist Marla Enowitz enjoying the creative company and conversation at Red Fox Gallery. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
Nikki Has Not Left the Building
Nikki Haskell made her name as a television personality, entrepreneur, and fixture of New York’s social world. She hosted The Nikki Haskell Show and became part of the glamorous world of Studio 54. What I love most? She has her own Instagram account, is proud of it, and spends her time working on posts just like the rest of us. Nikki isn’t having a comeback. She never left.
Nikki Haskell with David Hochberg, son of pioneering entrepreneur Lillian Vernon, at the Bedford gathering. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
A Room Full of Fascinating People
And you could hardly miss Andy Yu, who arrived in military-style attire—one of the most distinctive looks in a room already full of personality. Another familiar face in the Bedford crowd, and another reason this afternoon was anything but ordinary.
Marla Enowitz of Marla Beth Designs is an artist. Rebecca Berman, my partner in foodie videos, is also a stand-up comedian. Vanessa Smith is a photographer and published poet whose work includes Room Tone. Lauren Leader, a Bedford resident and familiar presence on Morning Joe, was there too. It was a room full of women with stories, careers, and creative energy.
Stacy Geisinger, Marla Enowitz, and Rebecca Berman pose beside a Nikki Haskell dress displayed on a mannequin—a little fashion history in the gallery. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
And Then There Was Sam Hollander
Among the guests was Sam Hollander, the hit songwriter and producer—and a lifelong Bedford resident. His credits include Panic! at the Disco’s “High Hopes,” Fitz and the Tantrums’ “HandClap,” and songs associated with One Direction, Weezer and Ringo Starr. He even wrote a memoir, 21-Hit Wonder. Only in Bedford can a casual afternoon of art and conversation put you in the same room as someone whose work you’ve probably heard a thousand times on the radio.
Speaking of Iconic Women
My good friend David Hochberg was there. His mother was Lillian Vernon — yes, THAT Lillian Vernon. What a reminder of the women who built businesses and personal brands before anyone was using those terms. Nikki Haskell and Lillian Vernon are two women who made things happen.
From left: Lauren Leader, Stacy Geisinger, artist Marla Enowitz, and Rebecca Berman of Stand Up Foodie, gathered for art, fashion, and friendship. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
Art, Fashion, and Bedford Magic
The setting was part of the fun: colorful art, fashion, bold, Keith Haring-style artwork, StarCaps memorabilia, and the historic Bedford atmosphere I love. I’ve lived here for nearly forty years and still find something new to appreciate.
From left: Rebecca Berman of Stand Up Foodie and artist Marla Enowitz share a moment among the artwork at Red Fox Gallery. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
Of Course We Took Pictures
Marla, Rebecca, and I hired our friend Dante to photograph the afternoon. Three content creators in a room with the original influencer? Someone had better be taking pictures. Dante caught the laughter, conversations, and beautiful details.
From left: artist Marla Enowitz and journalist and author Jill Brooke at Nikki Haskell’s Bedford gathering. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
The OG of the OGs
What makes someone an influencer? Followers? Engagement? A blue check? Or curiosity, personality, connections, and showing up? Nikki has been showing up for decades. You can still call me the OG influencer, but Nikki Haskell is the OG of the OGs. Connecting cool people to cool things — that’s what StacyKnows has always been about.
From left: Andy Yu in his military-inspired outfit, Lauren Leader, Stacy Geisinger, Rebecca Berman, and Marla Enowitz—a memorable group of guests. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
Nikki Haskell · Nikki on Instagram · Sam Hollander · Sam’s memoir · Red Fox Gallery · Vanessa H. Smith’s Room Tone · Rebecca Berman · StacyKnows · Stacy on Instagram · Bedford Historical Society
Also celebrating the afternoon: Jill Brooke, Lauren Leader, David Hochberg, Andy Yu, Marla, and Bernadette. Individual social profiles have not been linked where the correct account has not been verified.
Photography by Dante, commissioned by Stacy, Rebecca and Marla. Captions describe the scenes without guessing at identities.
People & Places: Explore More
Nikki Haskell · Nikki Haskell on Instagram · Red Fox Gallery · Sam Hollander · Sam Hollander’s 21-Hit Wonder · Rebecca Berman / Stand Up Foodie · Vanessa H. Smith’s Room Tone · Bedford Historical Society · StacyKnows
Event photography: Dante Pierre Photography.
From left: journalist and author Jill Brooke and artist Marla Enowitz in conversation at the gallery. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
Dante of Dante Pierre Photography with Stacy Geisinger of StacyKnows. Dante documented the afternoon’s guests, art, and candid moments. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
The historic Bedford Store exterior—a reminder that the village itself is part of the charm of gatherings like this. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
A colorful artwork inspired by Keith Haring’s instantly recognizable visual language, among the pieces seen at the event. Photography by Dante Pierre Photography.
