Steven Kolb, the chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), was placed on leave on September 14 following a physical altercation with animal rights activists during a fashion event in New York City. The incident occurred on September 13 at a runway show for COS, a contemporary brand owned by H&M, held in the WSA building at 175 Water Street amid New York Fashion Week.
According to reports, a group of demonstrators affiliated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) interrupted the show, protesting against the use of sheep’s wool in fashion. As the activists began vocally disrupting the event, Kolb reportedly intervened by physically restraining at least two protesters, wrestling one to the ground and covering her mouth. The confrontation was captured on video and quickly spread across social media and news platforms, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
In response, the CFDA released a statement emphasizing their serious approach to the matter and announcing Kolb’s leave of absence pending a full review. “The CFDA as an organisation is committed to working with dissenting voices to find commonality and is engaged in efforts to hear the American fashion industry forward while upholding the values of our membership,” the statement read.
Kolb, 65, subsequently issued a public apology acknowledging his "inappropriate" reaction and expressing regret, noting, “It wasn’t my place to do so. I should have let the security team handle the situation.” He described his decision to take a voluntary leave as part of a commitment to seek professional guidance, stating he did not recognize the person who had acted in the videos and took responsibility for his conduct.
The event has placed the CFDA’s board in a difficult position, with several members describing Kolb as generally mild-mannered and known for his support of animal welfare, including his role in efforts to eliminate fur from fashion runways. Diane von Furstenberg, the organisation’s former chair, described Kolb as “the sweetest person in the world” and a vegetarian who opposes fur but acknowledged that his actions on September 13 were wrong. She expressed uncertainty about his professional future but recognized the seriousness of the incident.
The altercation seems to have sparked broader discussions about power dynamics within the fashion industry, particularly in light of recent controversies involving public figures. The video showed Kolb physically restraining Mason Melito, a senior campaigner with PETA, at times covering his mouth and pressing his face against a window to quiet the protest.
Following the incident, CFDA board members have reportedly engaged in discussions about potential next steps, including the involvement of outside legal counsel. Kolb expressed being “devastated” over the event, while board members also conveyed a degree of distress over the situation.
Kolb’s leave of absence comes amid his own reflections on his career; in a May podcast, he had considered stepping down from the CFDA role by the end of 2025 but ultimately decided to continue, citing the value of experience and mentorship in his leadership position.
The incident highlights increasing tensions within the industry regarding activism and the limits of personal conduct, as well as the challenges facing leadership in moments of public scrutiny. The CFDA is expected to conduct a thorough review as it assesses the path forward.