Steven Kolb resigns from CFDA following altercation with PETA activists

Steven Kolb has resigned from his position as president and chief executive officer of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. His departure comes just days after a filmed altercation with PETA activists during New York Fashion Week.

The executive announced his decision on September 18, 2026, in a statement published on Substack. He described it as a difficult choice after twenty years at the helm of the professional organization representing American fashion designers.

The incident that sparked the controversy occurred on September 13 during the COS fashion show. Two activists from the animal rights organization PETA interrupted the presentation to protest the brand’s use of wool, which is owned by the H&M group.

Videos shared online show Steven Kolb physically intervening, holding one protester down and placing his hand over the mouths of the demonstrators. The following day, he acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate and stated that he should have allowed security to handle the situation.

The CFDA subsequently placed him on leave while the incident was reviewed by its board of directors. His temporary withdrawal and apologies had already been reported by Bénin Web TV.

In a statement, the board expressed respect for his decision and thanked him for his years of service. No successor has been announced at this time.

Steven Kolb worked for two decades at the CFDA, including fifteen years as chief executive officer. The organization oversees New York Fashion Week and supports emerging American designers through various professional programs.

PETA, which had considered reporting the incident to the police, ultimately opted for a meeting with the former executive. The organization also noted that he had played a role in removing fur from CFDA-supported fashion shows.