Jen Rubio Hosts Book Party for Sarah Harrelson

The Away co-founder welcomed guests to her West Village town house to celebrate the release of a new book on art collecting.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Celebrities

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a sculpture and glass on a table, evoking the atmosphere of a sophisticated art-focused gathering.
Away co-founder Jen Rubio hosted an evening event for Cultured magazine editor Sarah Harrelson to launch her new art collecting guide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Jen Rubio hosted an evening celebration for Sarah Harrelson, the editor of Cultured magazine, at her West Village town house. The event marked the launch of Harrelson's new book, The Cultured Collector, which explores the motivations behind acquiring art.

Why it matters

The book aims to lower barriers to entry for aspiring art collectors by demystifying the process of building a collection. Harrelson seeks to provide guidance for those who wish to start buying art but are unsure how to navigate the marketplace.

Sarah Harrelson has spent 15 years as the editor of Cultured magazine, establishing a long-standing tenure in the publication industry. Her new book features deep dives into collector motivations, including a 2.5-hour discussion with Scooter Braun.

The players

Jen Rubio

She is the co-founder of the luggage company Away and a prominent figure in the New York City social scene.

Sarah Harrelson

She is the editor of Cultured magazine and the author of the recently published book The Cultured Collector.

Celine Song

She is a notable filmmaker and director who attended the West Village book celebration.

Kareem Rahma

He is a writer and media personality who was among the guests present at the town house event.

Todd Snyder

He is a prominent fashion designer known for his eponymous menswear brand.

The details

Guests at the West Village gathering enjoyed a build-your-own martini station while viewing art throughout the living room. Attendees included figures such as Celine Song, Kareem Rahma, and Todd Snyder.

Timeline

  1. Summer 2026: Jen Rubio and Stewart Butterfield announced their separation.

  2. October 28, 2026: Jen Rubio hosted a book celebration for Sarah Harrelson.

Industry Dynamics

The release of The Cultured Collector reflects a broader trend in the publishing industry of creating accessible guides for niche hobbyist markets. This positions Harrelson as a bridge between the exclusive world of high-end art and a growing audience of aspiring collectors.

Readers interested in the intersection of lifestyle and art can access Harrelson's insights by purchasing her new book at major retailers. The publication aims to provide practical guidance for anyone looking to begin their own art collecting journey.

The takeaway

Engaging with art collectors can offer valuable perspectives on how to begin your own collection, regardless of your initial budget. Consider exploring professional guides or curated books to help navigate the complexities of the art market.

Further reading

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Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.