On Monday, February 16, Gurus Media celebrated love, fashion, and culture with its exclusive GURUtine’s Luncheon, hosted by Publisher and CEO Derek Warburton. Set against the romantic backdrop of SoHo’s famed French dining destination Maison Close, the intimate gathering beautifully blended Parisian elegance with New York sophistication.
Inspired by the whimsical spirit of Emily in Paris, the luncheon served as both a Valentine’s weekend celebration and a stylish finale to New York’s fashion festivities.
Maison Close provided a visually enchanting setting, adorned with plush royal-blue velvet banquettes, dramatic crimson drapery, and lush floral arrangements. A charming mural of classic can-can dancers added a touch of playful romance, transporting guests from Manhattan to the Champs-Élysées. Throughout the space, Gurus Media’s editorial presence came alive through printed magazine covers featuring Hilaria Baldwin, Nicole Miller, and Sutton Stracke, alongside Los Angeles Inquisitor spotlights on Bill Weidemann, Kara Francis, and Kimberley Kim. This creative display bridged the brand’s editorial storytelling with the real-world community it celebrates.
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- BELLA Magazine’s Vanessa Coppes, Hilaria Baldwin
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- Nicole Miller
The guest list included a dynamic mix of tastemakers and industry leaders: wellness advocate Hilaria Baldwin and her daughter Carmen; designer Nicole Miller; RHOBH star Sutton Stracke; publicist Anna Rothschild; ANTM veteran Nolé Marin; painter Marc Dennis; Beauty Guru Magazine Editor-in-Chief Robyn Newmark; and Gurus Magazine Managing Editor Ashley Kane. Also in attendance were actress Kimberley Kim, entrepreneur Bill Weidemann, The Blonde Italian’s Lauren Falcione, modern relationship expert Kara Francis, and Vanessa Coppes, CEO of BELLA Magazine.
Bill Weidemann, Kara Francis, Nicole Miller, Hilaria Baldwin, Sutton Stracke, Kimberley Kim, and Gurus Media CEO/founder Derek Warburton
Guests were greeted with signature cocktails, Young Hearts and All Things Nice, sponsored by Broken Shed Vodka. Crafted in New Zealand from pristine dual water sources, the vodka’s smooth flavor elevated the afternoon’s romantic setting.
As guests mingled and toasted the occasion, Maison Close’s attentive staff presented a refined, family-style tasting menu. Starters included garlic butter escargot, salmon tartare, and tortellini filled with braised short rib and spinach. The main course featured comforting beef bouillon with carrots and onions, served over puréed potatoes, and perfectly grilled red snapper with braised cabbage — balancing indulgence with French finesse.
Dessert concluded the luncheon on a light and elegant note, featuring an airy egg-white fluff tart and a decadent mousse crème wafer, paired with freshly brewed espresso. The culinary journey reflected Gurus Media’s devotion to sophisticated, culturally rich gatherings that blend luxury with authentic connection.
Before closing the celebration, Derek Warburton delivered heartfelt remarks, expressing gratitude to guests and the Maison Close team. He spoke on the values of truth, passion, and authenticity—cornerstones of both life and brand—while highlighting the importance of legacy, loyalty, and innovation in shaping the future.
The afternoon concluded with thoughtfully curated gift bags featuring Nicole Miller Beauty, YENSA, and select luxury lifestyle brands. Guests departed with elegant mementos of a day defined by romance, creativity, and community.
Gurus Media’s GURUtine’s Luncheon captured the spirit of modern Parisian glamour while honoring the relationships, artistry, and cultural voices that shape today’s creative landscape.
PHOTOS BY DENNIS TOOSHKANOV
