Steven Kolb resigns as CFDA chief executive after physical altercation with PETA protesters

The runway confrontation

During the New York Fashion Week presentation for Cos, a brand owned by H&M, two employees from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals entered the runway to demonstrate against the commercial use of wool. Andrija Barak attempted to disrupt the event by calling out slogans against wool production, prompting Council of Fashion Designers of America chief executive Steven Kolb to intervene directly from the audience. Video footage showed Kolb taking Barak to the ground, placing his arms and a leg over her body to restrain her, and covering her mouth with his hand to allow the presentation to continue. Kolb also pushed a second demonstrator, Mason Melito, and placed his hands over Melito's mouth during the altercation. In remarks to The Guardian, Melito described the encounter as frightening and characterized Kolb's physical conduct during the demonstration as completely unjustified.

Investigation and resignation

The incident led the CFDA board of directors to place Kolb on administrative leave on Tuesday while an internal inquiry took place. Kolb apologized on the day following the runway altercation, stating that his physical intervention was improper and that venue security should have managed the disturbance without his involvement.

“There is no justification for physically restraining another person. Security should have resolved the situation, and I should have stayed out of it.”

On Friday, Kolb announced his departure as president and chief executive through a post on Substack, ending a 20-year career with the trade organization and 15 years as its chief executive. The CFDA accepted his decision, expressing gratitude for his service and leadership, and confirmed that no successor has been announced.

Legal decisions and advocacy discussions

Following the incident, PETA initially intended to file a formal police report against Kolb for the physical restraint of its staff. The advocacy organization decided against criminal complaints after meeting with New York police and consulting legal counsel. Moira Colley, senior director of media relations for PETA in New York, stated that the group still plans to meet with Kolb to discuss eliminating the use of wool and animal skins in fashion collections. Colley also noted Kolb's prior role in banning animal fur from runway shows on the official CFDA schedule, expressing hope that constructive talks could continue.

Two decades at the trade association

Kolb's resignation concludes a two-decade tenure at the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a non-profit association that represents American designers and organizes the official calendar for New York Fashion Week. In his departure statement, Kolb reflected on his time leading the trade group, citing progress in organizational finances, designer support programs, and industry sustainability efforts.

“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.”

The CFDA continues to run seasonal Fashion Week programs that gather thousands of designers, labels, models, and industry attendees in New York twice a year.