Steven Kolb, the chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), has announced his resignation from the organization. His departure comes only days after he was recorded physically restraining two animal rights activists during an incident at a show during New York Fashion Week.
Reflecting on his two-decade tenure, Kolb stated, "After 20 years leading the CFDA, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO and president. I am enormously proud of what we have built together and believe this is the right moment for both me and the organisation to begin a new chapter."
The incident occurred on Sunday at a COS show, where Kolb was seen attempting to stop two protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta). The demonstrators were attempting to disrupt the event to protest the H&M group’s use of wool. In the video footage, Kolb is seen pushing a protester identified as Mason Melito and covering his mouth. Additionally, Kolb wrestled a second protester to the ground, using his arms and a leg to restrain her while placing his hand over her mouth. Following the altercation, Melito described the experience as a "scary one" and characterized Kolb’s actions as "completely uncalled for."
Prior to his resignation, Kolb had been placed on leave on Tuesday as the organization conducted a review of the event. The CFDA, a non-profit group that supports American designers and manages the official New York Fashion Week schedule, issued a statement from its board—which includes prominent figures such as Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors. The board noted that Kolb had been a "dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion" for more than 20 years. They expressed gratitude for his service and stated he leaves the organization well-positioned for the future.
A spokesperson for Peta USA commented on the resignation, stating, "This unfortunate incident, which has cost Mr Kolb his job, would never have taken place if Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M, had, as Peta requested so many times, taken action to avoid extreme violence to animals exploited for clothing." The group added that they intend to continue meetings with Kolb.
Meanwhile, Peta continued its protests during London Fashion Week, where three individuals stormed a catwalk during an H&M show carrying signs reading, "H&M: Wool is bloody cruel. Drop it." The protesters were escorted out by venue security.
A statement issued by the CFDA board, which includes designers such as Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Michael Kors, said: “Steven Kolb has been a dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion throughout his more than two decades at the CFDA, including 15 years as CEO.
