NEW YORK — Steven Kolb announced his resignation as CEO and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America on Friday. The departure follows a physical altercation with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals employees at a Cos runway show in New York on Sunday.

"I am enormously proud of what we have built together and believe this is the right moment for both me and the organization to begin a new chapter," Kolb said in a statement. The CFDA Board described him as a "dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion" in its own statement. "We respect Steven’s decision to step down and are grateful for his many years of leadership and service to the CFDA and our industry," the organization said.

The CFDA is a nonprofit that oversees American fashion designers, New York Fashion Week, and initiatives including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Fashion Awards. It is a not-for-profit trade association comprising a membership of over 370 American fashion and accessory designers. The organization was founded in 1962 by publicist Eleanor Lambert and is headquartered in Manhattan.

On September 15, Kolb announced he was taking a leave from his job pending an investigation prior to his resignation. He apologized for his actions and stated he would meet with PETA to discuss their concerns. "What happened was completely out of character for me, both personally and as a leader," Kolb wrote in a statement. "I have accepted an invitation from PETA to meet and discuss their concerns, and I hope to have the opportunity to apologize in person to the two individuals who did not deserve that treatment," he said.

PETA initially planned to file a police report against Kolb but changed course after visiting police and consulting attorneys. Moira Colley, senior director of media relations for PETA in New York, said the group planned to meet with Kolb to discuss ending the use of wool and animal skins in clothing. H&M Group stated it was investigating the altercation at the Cos show.

Why It Matters

The resignation of a long-serving executive at a major industry trade group follows a public physical confrontation involving animal rights activists. The incident occurred at a runway show for Cos, a brand owned by the H&M Group, which has launched its own investigation. The outcome of that probe remains unclear, as does the result of the planned meeting between Kolb and PETA regarding the use of animal products in fashion.

The CFDA plays a central role in the U.S. fashion industry, overseeing New York Fashion Week and administering awards and funds for designers. With no successor named, the organization faces a leadership transition while managing the aftermath of an event that drew attention to protests against wool and animal skins in clothing.

Timeline

On September 14, 2026, protesters Andrija Barak and Mason Melito attempted to disrupt the Cos runway show by calling out slogans about the use of wool. During the altercation, Steven Kolb covered the mouths of the protesters with his hands. He physically restrained the two People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals employees.

Kolb pinned protester Andrija Barak to the ground with his leg and arms while covering her mouth. He also pushed protester Mason Melito and backed him into a corner while covering his mouth.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates that Steven Kolb joined the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2006 and became CEO in 2011. No successor has been named for the role of CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The Council of Fashion Designers of America is a nonprofit that oversees American fashion designers, New York Fashion Week, and initiatives including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Fashion Awards. The CFDA Board is chaired by Thom Browne and includes vice chairs Prabal Gurung and Aurora James, as well as members Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, and Bethann Hardison.