Resignation and immediate fallout
Steven Kolb has stepped down as chief executive and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the organisation announced. His resignation followed an incident at a COS show during New York fashion week in which he was recorded physically restraining two animal rights activists. Kolb had been placed on leave earlier in the week while the matter was reviewed. In his statement, he described the decision as difficult after twenty years with the CFDA and said he believed it was the right moment for both him and the organisation to start a new chapter.[S1]
The CFDA board, which counts Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Michael Kors among its members, released a statement acknowledging Kolb's choice and expressing gratitude for his time leading the organisation. According to the board, he departs with the group in a strong position, guided by a clear purpose and a committed staff. A replacement has yet to be announced.[S1]
The altercation and PETA's response
Footage from the COS presentation captured Kolb attempting to hold back two PETA demonstrators who tried to interrupt the event in protest at wool usage by the H&M group, COS's parent company. Kolb shoved a protester named Mason Melito and placed a hand over his mouth. He also forced a second protester to the ground, pinning her with his arms and a leg while covering her mouth. Melito later told the Guardian the episode was frightening and that Kolb's conduct had been entirely unjustified.[S1]
A PETA USA representative stated that the episode, which led to Kolb losing his position, would not have occurred had Daniel Ervér, H&M's chief executive, acted on PETA's repeated appeals to prevent extreme violence toward animals used for clothing. The representative also said PETA remains willing to meet with Kolb and voiced hope that others in the industry will engage and take real action to end what the group describes as a widespread problem of cruelty to animals for mere appearance.[S1]
Further protests at London fashion week
On Thursday night, PETA carried out a further protest during London fashion week, as three demonstrators rushed the runway at an H&M presentation. Each carried a placard reading that H&M's wool is bloody cruel and calling on the company to abandon it. Once they left the catwalk, security personnel removed them from the venue.[S1]
