GURUtine’s at Maison Close: A Parisian Afternoon of Romance, Community, and Celebration

by | Feb 19, 2026

On February 16th, Gurus Media welcomed friends, collaborators, and cultural voices to an intimate GURUtine’s Luncheon at Maison Close, bringing a romantic and refined close to New York Fashion Week. Hosted by Publisher and CEO Derek Warburton, the gathering celebrated love, creativity, and the connections that define both life and legacy.

RHOBH’s Sutton Stracke and Gurus Media CEO Derek Warburton attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Designer Nicole Miller and celebrity photographer Harold Mindel pose together alongside her cover at the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Vertical Drama actress Kimberley Kim, The Blonde Italian’s Lauren Falcione, and Lumara founder Bill Weidemann attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Set within the rich textures and romantic ambiance of SoHo’s beloved French dining destination, the afternoon unfolded like a scene from Emily in Paris — elegant, warm, and effortlessly transportive. Velvet banquettes, dramatic drapery, and soft florals created a setting where conversation flowed as naturally as the celebration itself.

A view of the table setting and décor at Maison Close during the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon held during NYFW in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Broken Shed Vodka is displayed at the bar during the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Editorial covers displayed throughout the space brought the Gurus story into the room, featuring Hilaria Baldwin, Nicole Miller, and Sutton Stracke, alongside Los Angeles Inquisitor covers of Bill Weidemann, Kara Francis, and Kimberley Kim — individuals whose journeys reflect the publication’s spirit of authenticity and creative evolution.

Dancer and creative entrepreneur Maria Angelica Caruso, Vertical Drama actress Kimberley Kim, Lumara founder Bill Weidemann, and relationship expert Kara Francis attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Wellness advocate Hilaria Baldwin and her daughter Carmen attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Guests, including Hilaria Baldwin and her daughter Carmen, designer Nicole Miller, RHOBH star Sutton Stracke, publicist Anna Rothschild, ANTM veteran Nolé Marin, celebrated painter Marc Dennis, Beauty Guru Magazine Editor-in-Chief Robyn Newmark, and Gurus Magazine Managing Editor Ashley Kane, vertical drama actress Kimberley Kim, Lumara founder Bill Weidemann, The Blonde Italian’s Lauren Falcione, modern relationship expert and divorce Guru Kara Francis, and BELLA Magazine CEO Vanessa Coppes, gathered to share a beautifully curated French dining experience accompanied by signature cocktails featuring Broken Shed Vodka.

Disability advocate, speaker, and author Lauren Ruotolo (Unstoppable in Stilettos) and her mother, Holly Ruotolo, The Knockturnal’s Lauren Goldenberg and ElizaBeth Taylor, and Ashley Kane attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

As the afternoon drew to a close, Derek Warburton offered heartfelt remarks on truth, passion, authenticity, and the power of staying true to oneself. Reflecting on friendships and professional relationships spanning decades, he spoke of legacy, innovation, and loyalty — themes that continue to shape the Gurus journey.

Beauty Guru Magazine Editor-in-Chief Robyn Newmark, wellness advocate Hilaria Baldwin, and Lumara founder Bill Weidemann attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

BELLA Magazine CEO Vanessa Coppes and designer Nicole Miller attend the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

Guests departed with thoughtfully curated gift bags featuring Nicole Miller Beauty, Yensa, pūrlisse, and select luxury brands, carrying with them the warmth and connection of an afternoon rooted in love, creativity, and community.

Curated gift bags featuring Nicole Miller Beauty, Yensa, purlisse, and select luxury lifestyle brands are displayed at the Gurus Media GURUtine’s Luncheon during NYFW at Maison Close in New York City on February 16, 2026.

In true Gurus fashion, the GURUtine’s Luncheon was not simply an event, but a reflection of relationships, of shared history, and of a future shaped by authenticity and intention.

Photography: Dennis Tooshkanov