The CEO and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America was captured on video grabbing an animal rights protester and covering her mouth during a New York Fashion Week runway show on a Sunday. Steven Kolb grabbed the individual from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who was protesting the use of wool by fashion designer COS during its runway presentation.
Fashion Council President Restrains PETA Protester at Runway Show
According to NBC News, which viewed the video footage, Kolb pulled the demonstrator to the side of the runway, covered her mouth, and used his leg to restrain her. PETA stated that two of its protesters were assaulted during the incident. According to the animal rights group, Kolb violently grabbed one protester, held her to the floor, wrapped a leg around her, and covered her mouth and nose while she shouted slogans regarding wool production. PETA also stated that Kolb shoved and grabbed a second member who was filming the catwalk takeover and covered his face with his hand, though that second interaction was not captured in the viewed video.
Moira Colley, PETA’s senior director of media relations, stated in an email that Kolb reacted aggressively to peaceful protesters. According to PETA, Kolb later apologized for his behavior, possibly due to internal criticism, and the organization plans to explore a meeting with him. Neither Kolb nor the council immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
Brand Response and Industry Animal Welfare Standards
H&M Group, the Swedish parent company of COS, stated that an unfortunate incident occurred at the show and emphasized that safety for guests, models, and colleagues remained the primary priority. Regarding PETA’s allegations concerning wool sourcing, the company stated that it exclusively sources animal fibers from certified farms and, where possible, from recycled sources depending on quality and availability.
According to H&M Group, all virgin wool and mohair used in its products originate from farms certified by the Responsible Wool Standard and the Responsible Mohair Standard, which are certification systems owned and governed by Textile Exchange. The company reported that following an investigation into PETA’s allegations, licenses for one wool farm and one mohair farm were suspended, terminating their permission to sell certified materials.
Last year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced that animal fur will no longer be permitted at any fashion week events beginning with the September 2026 schedule. At the time of that announcement, which did not mention wool, Kolb stated that the council hoped to inspire American designers to consider the fashion industry’s impact on animals and position American fashion as a leader as consumers move away from products associated with animal cruelty.