PETA Seeks Meeting With CFDA's Kolb After Runway Protest Clash

Animal rights advocates are pursuing talks with one of the fashion industry's most senior figures after a confrontation at a New York runway show drew wide attention.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said it intends to meet Steven Kolb, the longtime chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, to press for an end to the use of wool and animal skins in clothing. Moira Colley, a senior director of media relations at the group, said the meeting had been agreed to but no date had been fixed.

The encounter took place at the Sunday show for Cos, a brand owned by H&M. Video circulating afterwards showed Kolb physically restraining two PETA employees, Andrija Barak and Mason Melito. Barak was calling out slogans about wool in an effort to disrupt the presentation; Kolb is seen covering her mouth and holding her with his arms and a leg as the show continued. He is also seen pushing Melito and placing a hand over his mouth.

Kolb has apologised for his conduct and is taking a leave from the council pending an investigation. The organisation, the fashion industry's main trade body, did not immediately respond to a message sent to his work email. He has spent two decades at the council and became its chief executive in 2011.

PETA had initially considered filing a police report against Kolb, Colley said, but changed course after visiting police and consulting lawyers. The group now plans to show him footage of the treatment of sheep raised for wool.

"We are willing to drop everything if we reach an understanding that benefits the animals," Colley said. She noted Kolb's earlier role in keeping fur off the council's runway schedule and said the group hoped he would again "do the right thing."

According to Colley, six PETA employees were present at the show: three to disrupt the runway, including Barak, and three to film, including Melito.