CFDA Chief Apologises After Confronting PETA Protesters at Fashion Show

The President and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Steven Kolb, has apologised after physically confronting two PETA protesters during a New York Fashion Week show.

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 13, during COS’s runway presentation in Manhattan, where animal-rights activists disrupted the show to protest the use of wool in fashion. Video footage showed Kolb intervening and restraining two protesters before security took over.

Kolb later acknowledged that he had responded inappropriately, saying the situation should have been handled by security personnel. The CFDA subsequently announced that he would take a voluntary leave of absence while the organisation reviews the incident.

PETA criticised Kolb’s actions but has since indicated plans to meet with him to discuss its concerns over the use of animal-derived materials in fashion.