CFDA Chief Steven Kolb Resigns After Restraining PETA Protesters at New York Show

Steven Kolb, the longtime chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), announced on Friday that he is stepping down, just days after he was filmed physically restraining two animal rights protesters at a New York runway show.

In a statement, Kolb said he was "enormously proud" of what had been built at the organization and believed it was the right moment for both him and the CFDA to begin a new chapter. He had led the council, widely regarded as the fashion industry's main trade body, for two decades.

The incident occurred on Sunday at the runway show for Cos, a brand owned by H&M. Video footage showed Kolb restraining two employees of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and covering their mouths. One protester, Andrija Barak, had been attempting to disrupt the show by shouting slogans about the use of wool. In the video, Kolb is seen covering her mouth and holding her with his arms and a leg over her body as he sought to allow the show to continue. Separately, he is seen pushing Mason Melito and placing his hands over his mouth.

The altercation quickly stunned many in the fashion world. Kolb, who is well known and respected in New York fashion circles, had earlier apologized for his actions and announced he was taking a leave of absence pending an investigation.

The CFDA described Kolb as a "dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion" and said it respected his decision to step down, expressing gratitude for his years of leadership and service to the organization and the industry.

Moira Colley, senior director of media relations for PETA in New York, said earlier in the week that the group planned to meet with Kolb to discuss ending the use of wool and animal skins in clothing. PETA had initially intended to file a police report against him but changed course after visiting police and consulting attorneys. Colley also noted that the group recognized Kolb's previous involvement in getting fur banned from runway shows on the CFDA schedule and hoped he would again "do the right thing."