Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Steven Kolb Resigns From CFDA After PETA Protest Clash
Steven Kolb was the leader of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
During a fashion presentation in New York, PETA protesters objected to the use of sheep’s wool.
The protesters entered the runway area and disrupted the event.
PETA said Kolb held one protester down and grabbed another person who was recording.
Kolb said he reacted inappropriately and should have let security handle the situation.
The CFDA then placed him on leave while it reviewed what happened.
A few days later, Kolb announced that he was resigning.
He said leaving after 20 years was difficult but that the organization was ready for a new chapter.
The CFDA thanked him for his leadership and service.
Steven Kolb resigned as president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America after 20 years with the organization.
The resignation followed a September 13 protest at a COS presentation during New York Fashion Week.
PETA alleged that Kolb restrained one protester and grabbed another activist who was recording the incident.
Kolb said his response was inappropriate and that security should have handled the disruption.
The CFDA placed Kolb on leave during its review and said he leaves the organization positioned for its next chapter.
- Who
- Steven Kolb, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and PETA activists.
- What
- Kolb resigned as CFDA president and CEO after physically intervening during a protest at a fashion presentation.
- When
- The protest occurred on September 13, and Kolb announced his resignation on Friday, September 18.
- Where
- At a COS presentation in downtown Manhattan during New York Fashion Week.
- Why
- Kolb said his response was inappropriate and that security should have handled the protest; the CFDA had placed him on leave while reviewing the incident.
Kolb and CFDA’s Position
PETA’s Account
Kolb’s conduct during the protest
Kolb and CFDA’s Position
Kolb acknowledged that he reacted inappropriately, said it was not his place to intervene, and said security should have handled the situation.
PETA’s Account
PETA alleged that Kolb held one protester to the floor, covered her mouth and nose, and grabbed another activist who was recording.
Response to the resignation
Kolb and CFDA’s Position
The CFDA respected Kolb’s decision and credited him with being a dedicated leader who strengthened the organization and supported American fashion.
PETA’s Account
PETA said it intended to file a police report and pursue criminal charges over the alleged conduct.
Reason for the protest
Kolb and CFDA’s Position
The disruption took place at a COS presentation during a fashion-industry event, with the brand’s use of wool at issue.
PETA’s Account
PETA protesters said sheep were “bloodied and beaten for wool” and objected to the use of sheep’s wool in fashion.
- Resigned
- Steven Kolb
- Organization
- Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
- Tenure
- More than 20 years with the CFDA, including 15 years as CEO
- Incident date
- September 13
- Location
- A COS presentation in downtown Manhattan
- Protest issue
- PETA activists objected to the use of sheep’s wool in fashion
- CFDA response
- Kolb was placed on leave while the incident was reviewed
