Fashion Executive Steven Kolb Apologizes for Restraining Protester with His Legs During NYFW Show, Says ‘It Wasn’t My Place’

During New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on Sunday, 13 September, a significant incident unfolded at the COS runway show, which has since ignited debate about animal rights activism within the fashion industry. Steven Kolb, the CEO and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), found himself in the eye of the storm after physically restraining two activists from the animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The disruption occurred during the presentation of COS’s fall-winter 2026 collection at the WSA building, where a group of activists stormed the runway holding placards and chanting against the use of wool in fashion. Their actions aimed to highlight the alleged cruelty associated with wool production, particularly focusing on the treatment of sheep. The protest was not only bold but also strategically timed to coincide with one of the fashion industry’s most high-profile weeks.

A video that rapidly circulated on social media showcased Kolb intervening in the protest. Reports confirm that he physically pushed a male protester, identified as Mason Melito, away from the runway area while attempting to protect the visibility of the show. In a further altercation, Kolb was seen restraining a female activist, forcibly holding her down while attempting to silence her cries of “get wool off the runway.” This distressing scene unfolded whilst models continued to walk the catwalk, leaving many attendees—including notable celebrities like Sharon Stone and Michelle Williams—shocked and recording the episode on their devices.

In the aftermath of the incident, a spokesperson from H&M Group, the parent company of COS, expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all attendees and acknowledged that an unfortunate event had taken place. Kolb later took to Instagram to reflect on the altercation, admitting he had reacted poorly and should have allowed security personnel to manage the situation: “I reacted inappropriately… It wasn’t my place to do so,” he stated.

The CFDA also released a statement confirming Kolb’s acknowledgment of his inappropriate response, asserting that such disruptions should indeed be handled by trained security staff. However, the CFDA did not clarify whether any disciplinary measures would be taken against Kolb following the incident.

Melito, who described himself as a senior campaigner with PETA, shared that he was not injured but found the encounter unsettling. He disclosed that PETA intends to file a police report concerning Kolb’s actions during the protest.

In their communications, PETA outlined the purpose of the disruption—seeking to expose the suffering of sheep used in the wool industry. They condemned Kolb’s treatment of the activists as indicative of the inhumane practices sheep endure within wool production, drawing parallels between the altercation and the distressing experiences of the animals.

In a direct message to Kolb, PETA urged him to reconsider his response to protests advocating for animal rights and to use his influence to combat the violence being protested. The organisation further called for a ban on wool and other animal-derived materials from fashion events, building on the CFDA’s existing prohibition of fur at NYFW.

Ultimately, the incident has sparked renewed discussions about the intersection of fashion and ethical practices, as well as the importance of addressing animal welfare in production processes. The events at the COS show demonstrate the ongoing tension between the fashion industry and advocacy groups, underscoring the need for dialogue and collaboration towards more humane practices. The response from Kolb and the CFDA regarding this incident may set precedents for how similar situations are managed in future fashion events.

As the conversation around ethical fashion continues to evolve, the actions of both the activists and industry leaders will undoubtedly influence perceptions and practices moving forward. PETA’s bold efforts to bring attention to animal suffering serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that those in the fashion world hold, not just to their consumer base, but to the living beings impacted by their choices.