The 2nd Annual Gurus Awards, presented by Gurus Magazine, transformed guests back to the Roaring 20s with a dazzling Jazz Age award show held at the historic Cicada Restaurant and Lounge in Downtown LA.
LOS ANGELES: Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko joined Derek Warburton at the 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine. Photo credit: Robin L. Marshall @itsrobinlori
The soirée paid homage to the era of Gatsby, flapper dresses, and the Charleston dance while celebrating today’s trailblazers of impact, innovation, and inspiration.
LOS ANGELES: Rachel McCord joined Derek Warburton at the 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine. Photo credit: Robin L. Marshall @itsrobinlori
A Gatsby Dream, Reimagined
Helmed by Gurus Magazine founder and publisher Derek Warburton and executive producer Rachel Wilson, the evening unfolded with posh vintage glam, where Art Deco elegance met Hollywood stardust and purpose.
LOS ANGELES: Jason Oppenheim, Nicole Young, Mary Bonnet, and Romain Bonnet joined Derek Warburton at the 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine. Photo credit: Robin L. Marshall @itsrobinlori
Warburton, the night’s maestro, made a grand entrance alongside a parade of feather-clad dancers. Hosting the affair was Robyn Newmark, Editor-in-Chief of Beauty Guru Magazine, who also embodied 1920s sophistication.
LOS ANGELES: Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley joined Derek Warburton at the 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine. Photo credit: Robin L. Marshall @itsrobinlori
Starry Elegance
The modern-day guru guest list included Taye Diggs, Hilaria Baldwin, Gleb Savchenko, Cynthia Bailey, Gretchen Rossi & Slade Smiley, Laganja Estranja, Matt Dallas, Sarah Jane Morris, and Courtney Ford, joined by Jason Oppenheim, Nicole Young, Mary Bonnet, and Romain Bonnet of Selling Sunset.
LOS ANGELES: Sarah Meyer, Lauren Goldenberg, Sari Cohen, and Kearran Giovanni joined Derek Warburton at the 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine.
The Vibe
Celebrity and fashion photographer Josh Fogel captured guests in his studio, forever immortalizing everyone’s homages to sequins, feathers, and 1920s vibes. The Satin Dollz shimmered on the dance floor, a live band crooned jazz standards, and models styled by Monica Mahoney posed like living art in the windows as guests were welcomed inside the restaurant and lounge.
LOS ANGELES: The 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine. Photo credit: Robin L. Marshall @itsrobinlori
Adding a modern twist to the vintage reverie, Gerra, the AI robot, mingled with guests, blending the 1920s with the 2020s.
LOS ANGELES: Matt Dallas and Nicole Young joined Derek Warburton at the 2nd Annual GURUS Awards, presented by GURUS Magazine. Photo credit: Robin L. Marshall @itsrobinlori
And the awards go to…
Produced by Kent Burns, the awards ceremony spotlighted changemakers who embody the Gurus ethos: to live, lead, and inspire with heart. Award highlights include:
- Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year: Olha Maikina, presented by Gretchen Rossi
- Hope & Healing Award: Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, presented by Courtney Ford
- Innovation Award: Evelyn’s Breast Friends Forever, accepted by Evelyn Calip, presented by Dr. Michael K. Newman
- Empowerment Through Reinvention: Tricia Connor Jackson, presented by Laganja Estranja & Lauren Falcon
- Storytelling Impact Award: Lifetime Network, accepted by Taye Diggs, presented by Autumn Federici
- Civic Leadership Award: Jason Oppenheim, presented by Mary Bonnet, Romain Bonnet & Nicole Young
- Community Excellence Award: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, accepted by Michelle Toulmin, presented by Matt Dallas & Gleb Savchenko
- Child Advocacy Champion: Dawn McCoy, presented by Sarah Jane Morris
- Inspiration Award: Worthy of Love, accepted by Mandie Davis, presented by Cynthia Bailey
Throughout the Gatsby chic night, guests enjoyed an eight-foot long dessert bar with macarons, donuts, cookies, and more sweet eats presented by Luxe Bites while The Blonde Italian offered artisan popcorn with signature gourmet seasonings. Zemits showcased cutting-edge beauty tech, and Lumara was on hand to show their futuristic wellness innovations.
