CFDA Chief Steven Kolb Resigns After Runway Protest Clash

Steven Kolb resigns as CFDA president and CEO days after being filmed restraining PETA protesters at the COS runway show, ending two decades at the group.

Steven Kolb announced on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, that he is stepping down as president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, days after he was filmed physically restraining two PETA protesters at a New York Fashion Week runway show. The CFDA described him as a "dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion" and said it respected his decision to resign. No successor was immediately named.

The exit is a striking reversal because Kolb had been one of New York fashion's most established figures, joining the CFDA in 2006 and becoming CEO in 2011, per KATU. His tenure included the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Awards, and he had previously helped ban fur from CFDA-scheduled runway shows — the same issue space as the protest that ended his leadership. The Associated Press notes the incident "quickly stunned many in the fashion world."

The confrontation occurred Sunday, Sept. 13, at the COS show, a brand owned by H&M. Per the Associated Press, Kolb is seen covering protester Andrija Barak's mouth with his hands, restraining her with his arms and a leg over her body, and separately pushing Mason Melito and covering his mouth. KATU, citing Women's Wear Daily, reported he held one protester to the floor; USA Today says PETA alleged he restrained one supporter on the floor and grabbed another who was recording.

Kolb apologized on Sept. 13, telling WWD, per USA Today, that he "reacted inappropriately" and that security should have handled the situation. The CFDA board placed him on leave Monday pending an investigation, according to KATU and the Associated Press. PETA initially planned to file a police report and pursue criminal charges; per the AP, the group changed course after visiting police and consulting attorneys, but still plans to meet with Kolb.

The clash puts animal-derived materials back at the center of the industry's agenda. PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk told USA Today the group is calling on H&M and COS to ban wool from its collections and urging shoppers to go elsewhere until they do. H&M, per KATU, says it respects the right to protest and that its animal-derived fibers come from certified farms and, where possible, recycled sources. The CFDA banned fur from New York Fashion Week last year.

Kolb, in a statement carried by the AP, said he is "enormously proud of what we have built together" and believes it is the right moment for both him and the organization to begin a new chapter. The CFDA says he leaves the organization well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team, but has named no successor. PETA says it still intends to meet with Kolb and hopes others in the industry will take steps against what it calls an "epidemic of cruelty to animals."