CFDA Chief Steven Kolb Resigns After Tackling Protesters at NYFW

Steven Kolb has resigned as CEO and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) after tackling animal rights protesters at a New York Fashion Week show. The announcement of his departure came Friday, the same day he published a statement on Substack.

"After twenty years leading the CFDA, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO and President," Kolb wrote. "I believe this is the right moment for both [him] and the organization to begin a new chapter." He expressed pride in the organization's accomplishments and its support for American designers, calling his tenure a "privilege."

The CFDA's board of directors issued a statement on Friday acknowledging Kolb's resignation, praising him as a "dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion" and expressing "respect" for his decision.

Kolb's resignation follows a widely reported incident on Sunday where he physically intervened as PETA protesters disrupted a runway show. Video footage showed Kolb grabbing signs, covering a protester's mouth, and pulling another to the ground. The protesters were demonstrating against the use of wool in the fashion industry.

Following the incident, Kolb announced a "voluntary" leave of absence earlier in the week, admitting in an Instagram Stories post that his actions were "completely out of character" and that he took "full responsibility."

Kolb had also stated he accepted an invitation from PETA to meet and discuss their concerns, expressing a hope to apologize in person to the individuals involved.