Steven Kolb resigns as CFDA CEO after restraining PETA protesters

Steven Kolb has resigned as president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) following a viral incident at New York Fashion Week. The resignation ends a 20-year tenure with the organization.

The controversy arose on September 13 during a runway show for COS, a brand owned by H&M Group. Activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) interrupted the event to protest the use of sheep’s wool. Video footage showed Kolb physically intervening by pushing a male protester and restraining a female activist, including placing his hand over her mouth and holding her to the floor.

Kolb had been placed on leave by the CFDA on September 14 while the incident was reviewed. Although he issued a public apology and admitted to reacting inappropriately, he announced his formal resignation via his Substack newsletter, stating that it was the right moment for both him and the organization to begin a new chapter.