CFDA Chief Suspended Amid Controversy at Fashion Week Event

WHO:

CNN - Steven Kolb, CEO and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

CNN - Mason Melito, a senior campaigner with PETA

CNN - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

NY Post - CFDA

WHAT:

CNN - Kolb was filmed appearing to physically restrain two activists during a New York Fashion Week presentation.

CNN - Kolb reacted “inappropriately” during an altercation with animal rights protesters.

CNN - PETA stated that its activists had been “assaulted” by Kolb.

CNN - The protesters are filing a police report and plan to pursue criminal charges.

NY Post - Kolb was suspended from the CFDA after the incident.

WHERE:

CNN - New York Fashion Week, specifically at the COS runway show in downtown Manhattan.

CNN - WSA Building in downtown Manhattan.

WHEN:

CNN - The incident occurred during a runway show on a Sunday.

CNN - New York Fashion Week concludes on Tuesday.

CNN - H&M Group aims to ensure 100% of all wool used will come from certified responsible sources by 2026.

WHY:

CNN - The protest was part of PETA's ongoing campaign to pressure COS's parent company, H&M Group, to cease using wool in its products.

CNN - Kolb stated he should have let the security team handle the situation.

HOW:

CNN - Kolb was filmed grabbing the protestors, snatching at their signs, and covering their mouths.

CNN - Kolb appeared to pin one activist to the floor while models continued walking the runway.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:08 UTC)

During a New York Fashion Week presentation at the COS runway show, Steven Kolb, the CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, was filmed appearing to physically restrain two animal rights activists, leading to accusations of assault from PETA. The incident has prompted the protesters to file a police report and pursue criminal charges, while Kolb has since been suspended from his position at the CFDA. Kolb acknowledged that he should have allowed the security team to handle the situation, as the protest was part of PETA's campaign urging H&M Group to stop using wool in its products.