Fashion CEO resigns after he was found physically restraining animal rights activists at New York Fashion Week

Steven Kolb has resigned from his position as the chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America following an altercation where he was filmed physically restraining two animal rights activists, The Guardian reported. The incident occurred during a COS show at New York Fashion Week on Sunday, leading to his departure after two decades of service.

Kolb had been placed on leave on Tuesday while the organization conducted a review of the situation. In his official statement regarding the resignation, he said, “After 20 years leading the CFDA, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO and president,” and added, “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.”

The footage from the event shows Kolb attempting to stop two protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) who were demonstrating against the use of wool by the H&M group. During the encounter, Kolb pushed a protester identified as Mason Melito and covered his mouth. He also wrestled a second protester to the ground, using his arms and a leg to restrain her while placing his hand over her mouth. Melito later described the encounter as “scary” and stated that Kolb’s behaviour had been “completely uncalled for”.

The organization has not yet named a successor to take over the role

The CFDA board, which includes notable figures like Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors, issued a statement acknowledging his long tenure. The board said, “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.”

They also mentioned, “We respect Steven’s decision to step down and are grateful for his many years of leadership and service to the CFDA and our industry. He leaves the organisation well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team, to carry out the important work ahead as we look to the future of American fashion.” The CFDA operates as a non-profit entity that supports US designers and manages the official schedule for New York Fashion Week.

A spokesperson for PETA USA addressed the aftermath of the event in a statement. They said, “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 spokesperson also noted that they intend to continue their engagement with the industry, stating, “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.”

Protests involving the same organization continued shortly after the New York incident. On Thursday night, three protesters interrupted a catwalk show during London fashion week. The individuals held signs reading “H&M: Wool is bloody cruel. Drop it.” before being escorted out of the venue by security staff.