Pair of Three-Light 'Lotus' Sconces, circa 1925

The Collection of Phyllis and Fred Pressman reflects the sophisticated, forward-thinking taste of this legendary couple. As members of the second generation behind the founding of Barneys New York, the famed luxury emporium, the Pressmans brought exceptional discernment and elevated style to the family business. When Fred assumed leadership, he championed avant-garde European fashion, introducing designers such as Giorgio Armani and Hubert de Givenchy to the American market for the first time.
Phyllis joined Barneys initially to spend more time with her husband, but quickly made an indelible impact of her own. She transformed the home goods department with objects and textiles discovered on her travels to Paris and London and shaped the store’s celebrated window displays with her keen curatorial eye.
The passion, intuition, and discerning vision that defined the Pressmans’ work at Barneys are fully reflected in their personal collection. Their cultivated elegance resonates throughout their collection and in the present pair of sconces designed by Ruhlmann, the undisputable master of Art Deco. Having devoted themselves to creating a retail experience that felt deeply personal, Property from the Collection of Phyllis and Fred Pressman now offers an intimate glimpse into the beautifully curated world of their own home.