Steven Kolb has resigned as chief executive and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America after being filmed physically restraining two animal rights activists during an incident at New York Fashion Week.
Kolb, who had spent two decades with the organisation, including 15 years as its chief executive, announced his decision on Friday, saying he believed it was the right time for the organisation and himself to begin a new chapter.
His resignation followed an incident at a COS fashion show in New York on Sunday, where activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals staged a protest against the use of wool by the H&M-owned fashion brand.
Video footage showed Kolb intervening as the protesters attempted to disrupt the event. He pushed one protester and covered his mouth, while another activist was wrestled to the ground and restrained.
Kolb was subsequently placed on leave while the CFDA reviewed the incident.
The confrontation quickly drew attention during one of the fashion industry’s biggest annual events, particularly because of Kolb’s senior position within an organisation responsible for supporting and promoting American designers and brands.
The CFDA later confirmed Kolb’s resignation and expressed appreciation for his years of service. The organisation said he had been a dedicated leader and advocate for American fashion throughout his long tenure.
No successor has yet been announced.
The incident also intensified discussion over the use of animal-derived materials in fashion, particularly wool and animal skins. PETA has been campaigning against their use and has staged demonstrations at fashion events in both the United States and Britain.
PETA said the confrontation would not have occurred if fashion companies had taken stronger action over concerns about the treatment of animals used in clothing production.
Despite the incident, the organisation said it still planned to engage with Kolb and other fashion industry figures to discuss its campaign.
The group had initially considered filing a police report over the confrontation but later opted to seek a meeting with Kolb.
The resignation marks a significant leadership change for the CFDA, which plays an important role in the American fashion industry and is responsible for organising the official New York Fashion Week schedule.
Kolb’s departure also comes at a time when the fashion industry is facing increasing pressure from animal-rights campaigners over materials used in clothing and the environmental and ethical impact of production practices.
PETA staged another protest during London Fashion Week later in the week, with demonstrators disrupting an H&M show while carrying signs calling for the company to stop using wool.
The CFDA is expected to begin the process of identifying Kolb’s successor as the organisation moves into a new phase following his resignation.
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