The chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Steven Kolb, has resigned from his role, days after he was filmed physically restraining two animal rights activists during an altercation at New York fashion week. In a video, Kolb could be seen trying to restrain two People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) protesters who attempted to disrupt the show in a demonstration against the use of wool by the H&M group that owns COS. Kolb pushed a protester, identified as Mason Melito, and covered his mouth.
Kolb also wrestled a second protester to the ground, using his arms and a leg to restrain her and putting his hand over her mouth. Speaking to the Guardian after the incident, Melito described the situation “as a scary one” and that Kolb’s behaviour was “completely uncalled for.” The CFDA is a non-profit organisation that supports and promotes American designers and brands. It also organises the official New York fashion week schedule.
A statement issued by the CFDA board, which includes designers such as Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Michael Kors, said: “Steven Kolb has been a dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion throughout his more than two decades at the CFDA, including 15 years as CEO. He leaves the organisation well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team, to carry out the important work ahead as we look to the future of American fashion.” In a statement to the Guardian, a Peta USA spokesperson said: “This unfortunate incident, which has cost Mr Kolb his job, would never have taken place if Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M, had, as Peta requested so many times, taken action to avoid extreme violence to animals exploited for clothing. Each one held a sign stating “H&M: Wool is bloody cruel.
Drop it.” After stepping down from the catwalk, they were escorted out of the venue by security.
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