New York Fashion Week experienced a disruption on Sunday when a top fashion executive physically restrained protesters from the animal rights group PETA during a COS fall-winter 2026 collection runway show. The incident occurred as models walked the catwalk, and activists holding placards began chanting against the brand, which is owned by the Swedish retailer H&M.
Steven Kolb, chief executive and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), intervened to stop the protest. Video footage shared on Instagram by Fashionista shows Kolb pushing a male protester away from the runway, pinning him, and covering his mouth before security escorted the activist out. Kolb also tackled a female protester who was shouting slogans against the use of wool.
Kolb later addressed the incident in an Instagram Story, stating, "I reacted inappropriately to an incident at a show earlier today. It wasn't my place to do so. I should have let the security team handle the situation." Reports indicate he opted not to attend Brandon Maxwell's runway show afterward.
PETA issued a statement calling Kolb's actions aggressive and an endorsement of their complaints about the fashion industry's treatment of animals. The organization stated, "Perhaps due to internal criticism, he has apologized for his behavior and now PETA will explore a meeting with him and ask him to watch footage from our 17 exposés of the wool industry showing sheep being punched, kicked, and cut to ribbons for wool in the hope that he'll realize something must be done."
The male protester was identified by The New York Times as Mason Melito, a senior campaigner with PETA. Melito told the outlet that he was not physically harmed but found the incident "shocking" and indicated that PETA plans to file a police report against Kolb.
A spokesperson for the H&M Group confirmed the incident at the COS show, stating, "The safety of our guests, colleagues, and participants was always our main priority during the show, together with the event’s security team."
Models continued the show amidst the commotion, with attendees reportedly including Sharon Stone, Michelle Williams, and Lupita Nyong'o filming the confrontation. The CFDA has also been contacted for comment.
