Steven Kolb Resigns As CFDA CEO After Physical Confrontation With PETA Protesters At COS Runway

Steven Kolb has resigned as chief executive officer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) after the board placed him on leave following an incident at a COS runway show.

Video from the Sunday show at WSA, 175 Water Street, captured Kolb physically restraining two PETA protesters who had rushed the runway to protest the use of sheep's wool. The footage shows Kolb holding one protester to the floor, wrapping his leg around her and covering her mouth and nose while she shouted, "Sheep bloodied and beaten for wool." In the same video he appears to push and cover the mouth of a second protester before being escorted away.

Cos is a division of H&M Group. The video circulated widely on social media and throughout the fashion industry, prompting public criticism and debate over Kolb's conduct and the appropriate response to protests at public events.

On Sunday Kolb acknowledged he had reacted "inappropriately" and said he should have left the response to security. He posted a longer apology on Instagram Stories on Monday: "My actions were wrong and I am deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to them and everyone who witnessed the incident. There is no justification for physically restraining another person."

"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 organization to begin a new chapter," Kolb said in a statement issued Friday night.

PETA president Tracy Reiman sent Kolb a letter offering a meeting and an olive branch. PETA also said activists plan to file a police report over the physical confrontation, and issued a statement criticizing H&M Group for not heeding repeated calls to address animal-welfare concerns related to wool.

The CFDA board confirmed Kolb's resignation in a Friday night statement, thanking him for more than two decades of service — including 15 years as CEO — and praising his contributions to American fashion. The board said the organization is "well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team" to continue its work. No successor has been named.

In his resignation message Kolb highlighted achievements during his tenure: stronger financial footing for the CFDA, expanded programs and partnerships, increased philanthropic and scholarship initiatives, support for emerging designers, advances in sustainability and circularity, efforts to broaden diversity and inclusion, and an expanded international presence. He described leaving as an emotional decision and expressed confidence in the CFDA's future.

This episode has prompted broader discussion about security and protest management at fashion events, the role of industry leaders during public disruptions, and animal-welfare practices in fashion supply chains.