Steven Kolb has resigned as president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, stepping down after a confrontation with PETA protesters.
Steven Kolb has resigned as president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, stepping down after a confrontation with PETA protesters during New York Fashion Week that quickly spread online and put the trade group’s top leader under intense scrutiny.
Kolb resigned Friday after 20 years with the CFDA. The CFDA’s board had placed him on leave Monday following the incident at the COS runway show.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: (L-R) Steven Kolb, guest and Swizz Beatz attend the Public School fashion show during New York Fashion Week on September 10, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)The protesters interrupted the Sept. 13 show to oppose the use of sheep’s wool in fashion. Videos that circulated online show Kolb physically restraining protesters and covering their mouths; Women’s Wear Daily reported he held one protester to the floor.
Kolb apologized for his actions, saying there was “no justification” for physically restraining another person and that security should have handled the situation.
PETA activist Mason Melito told The New York Times he planned to file a police report and pursue criminal charges. No charges were reported in the material provided.
COS is owned by H&M. H&M said it respects the right to protest and said its animal-derived fibers come from certified farms and, where possible, recycled sources.
Kolb joined the CFDA in 2006 and became CEO in 2011. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Awards. The CFDA said it respected Kolb’s decision and thanked him for his leadership. No successor was immediately named.
The CFDA banned fur from New York Fashion Week last year.
