Former Barneys Co-CEO Gene Pressman to Hold Book Signing Events in Dallas and Houston

Pressman's new book 'They All Came to Barneys' chronicles the iconic department store's history.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:25pm

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Gene Pressman, the former co-CEO, creative director, and head of merchandising and marketing at the iconic Barneys New York department store, will be holding book signing events in Dallas and Houston to promote his new book 'They All Came to Barneys'. The book chronicles the history of the legendary retailer founded by Pressman's grandfather in 1923, which rose to prominence over multiple generations and became a cultural touchstone before ultimately filing for bankruptcy in the 2010s.

Why it matters

Barneys New York was a pioneering luxury department store that helped define fashion and popular culture for decades, from its early days to its heyday in the Studio 54 era and the Dynasty excesses of the 1980s. As one of the store's top executives, Gene Pressman played a key role in shaping Barneys' creative vision and influence. His new book offers a rare insider's perspective on the rise and fall of this iconic retail brand.

The details

In his new book 'They All Came to Barneys', Gene Pressman recounts the history of the department store founded by his grandfather Barney Pressman in 1923. Pressman served as co-CEO, creative director, and head of merchandising and marketing at Barneys, helping to guide the store through its most prominent eras. The book chronicles Barneys' evolution from a small New York store to a global luxury retail empire with outposts in cities like Dallas, which opened and closed multiple times over the decades.

  • Pressman will appear at a book signing event at KD Biel in the Dallas Design District on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Pressman will also appear at a book signing event at Texas Design Week Houston on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

The players

Gene Pressman

The former co-CEO, creative director, and head of merchandising and marketing at the iconic Barneys New York department store, and the author of the new book 'They All Came to Barneys'.

Barney Pressman

The founder of Barneys New York department store in 1923, and Gene Pressman's grandfather.

Fred Pressman

The son of Barney Pressman and one of the generations that ran the iconic Barneys department store.

Bob Pressman

One of the grandsons of Barney Pressman who helped run the Barneys department store over multiple generations.

Billy Fong

A writer who will be moderating the book signing events with Gene Pressman in Dallas and Houston.

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What they’re saying

“Barneys was a truly unique experience — sophisticated, creative, and one of endless discovery.”

— Calvin Klein

“Gene's alluring outline of his family's story is a remarkable account of one of New York City's most treasured institutions … It was the original influencer.”

— Marc Jacobs

What’s next

Pressman's book 'They All Came to Barneys' will be available for purchase at the upcoming book signing events in Dallas and Houston.

The takeaway

Barneys New York was a pioneering luxury department store that helped define fashion and popular culture for decades, and Gene Pressman's new book offers a rare insider's perspective on the rise and fall of this iconic retail brand.