Council of Fashion Designers of America CEO Steven Kolb resigned after being filmed physically restraining two PETA protesters during a New York Fashion Week altercation at a COS show. Kolb stepped down following a leave of absence, concluding a 20-year tenure leading the non-profit organization.
Steven Kolb has stepped down from his position as chief executive and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America following a physical altercation with animal rights activists during a runway show at New York fashion week. The departure ends a 20-year run at the helm of the organization, which supports and promotes US designers and brands and also organizes the official New York fashion week schedule.
Kolb had been placed on leave on Tuesday pending a review of an incident during a COS show at New York fashion week on Sunday. The incident occurred during a show hosted by COS, a brand owned by the H&M group. Two protesters associated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals attempted to disrupt the runway presentation to protest the fashion industry’s use of wool by the H&M group. Video footage captured Kolb pushing a protester, identified as Mason Melito, and covering his mouth. Kolb also wrestled a second protester to the ground, using his arms and a leg to restrain her and putting his hand over her mouth.
Resignation Announcement and Board Response
Kolb announced his resignation in a statement after initially being placed on leave by the organization pending a review. In his statement, he reflected on his long tenure leading the non-profit.
“After twenty 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,”
Steven Kolb, CEO and President, CFDA
The CFDA board, which includes designers such as Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Michael Kors, released a statement addressing the leadership change.
“We respect Steven’s decision to step down and are grateful for his many years of leadership and service to the C.F.D.A. and our industry.”
CFDA Board
A statement issued by the CFDA board further noted: “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.” The board credited Kolb with leaving the organisation well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team, to carry out the important work ahead as they look to the future of American fashion. The group is yet to name a successor.
Public Fallout and PETA Reaction
While Kolb did not refer to the physical altercation with protesters in his resignation statement, he previously discussed it on his Instagram Stories where he claimed the behavior was out of character for him.
“What happened was completely out of character for me, both personally and as a leader. Frankly, I don’t recognize that person,”
Steven Kolb
Mason Melito, the protester restrained during the altercation, described the situation to the Guardian after the incident as scary and said Kolb’s behaviour had been completely uncalled for.
Despite the physical clash, Moira Colley, a seniors media relations director with PETA, previously revealed that Kolb had been interested in meeting with the organization to discuss the incident and the use of animal skins and wool for clothing. Colley said the group decided not to press charges after consulting with attorneys and speaking to the police themselves, and stated she planned to show Kolb video during their meeting of sheep being mistreated while being used for their wool.
“We are willing to drop everything if we reach an understanding that benefits the animals,”
Moira Colley, PETA
A PETA USA spokesperson added in a statement: “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 organization also noted: “We will still be meeting with Mr Kolb, and hopefully others in the industry will meet and take meaningful steps to stop this epidemic of cruelty to animals for nothing more than a look.” Peta staged another protest on Thursday night during London fashion week when three protesters stormed the catwalk during an H&M show, each holding a sign stating H&M: Wool is bloody cruel. Drop it,
before being escorted out of the venue by security after stepping down from the catwalk.
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