CFDA CEO Steven Kolb Apologizes After Physical Altercation With PETA Protesters at NYFW

A protest at New York Fashion Week turned into a controversy involving one of American fashion’s most powerful executives.

During the COS runway show, PETA activists entered the presentation to protest the brand’s use of wool. CFDA CEO Steven Kolb responded by physically restraining two protesters, with video showing him grabbing signs and covering their mouths as they shouted.

Kolb later apologized, saying his reaction was inappropriate and that he should have left the situation to event security. The incident has since sparked a wider debate around protest, animal rights, security, and how fashion institutions respond to disruption.