CFDA Chief Steven Kolb Resigns After Runway Altercation With PETA Protesters
NEW YORK — Steven Kolb, the longtime chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said Friday he is stepping down, days after he was recorded physically restraining two PETA protesters during an altercation at a New York runway show.
The resignation ends a two-decade run at the helm of the fashion industry’s leading trade group and comes as the CFDA confronts questions about conduct, protest and public image at a moment when fashion events are again drawing global attention.
“I am enormously proud of what we have built together and believe this is the right moment for both me and the organization to begin a new chapter,” Kolb said in a statement.
The incident occurred Sunday at the runway show for Cos, a brand owned by H&M. Video circulated quickly, showing Kolb restraining two employees of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and covering their mouths. The scene stunned many in the fashion world, where Kolb has long been a well-known and respected figure.
Kolb earlier apologized for his actions and announced he would take a leave from his job pending an investigation. The CFDA described him as a “dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion.”
“We respect Steven’s decision to step down and are grateful for his many years of leadership and service to the CFDA and our industry,” the association said in a statement on social media.
Moira Colley, senior director of media relations for PETA in New York, said earlier in the week that the group planned to meet with Kolb to discuss ending the use of wool and animal skins in clothing. PETA had initially planned to file a police report against Kolb but changed course after visiting police and consulting attorneys.
After Kolb’s announcement Friday, PETA said it still planned to meet with him and hoped “others in the industry will meet and take meaningful steps to stop this epidemic of cruelty to animals.” The group has also recognized Kolb’s previous involvement in getting fur banned from runway shows on the CFDA schedule.
According to video from the protest, Andrija Barak was trying to disrupt the Sunday show, calling out slogans about the use of wool. Kolb is seen covering her mouth with his hands and restraining her with both arms and a leg over her body as he sought to let the show continue. Separately, he is seen pushing Mason Melito and putting his hands over Melito’s mouth.
The episode has renewed scrutiny of how fashion institutions handle demonstrations and animal-rights campaigns, and it leaves the CFDA searching for new leadership at a time when the industry is already navigating economic pressure, changing consumer expectations and questions about sustainability. PETA has indicated it intends to keep pressing the issue, signaling that the confrontation is unlikely to fade with Kolb’s departure.