New York Fashion Week saw an unexpected interruption Sunday when two PETA protesters stormed the runway during the COS Spring 2027 show, leading event organizer Steven Kolb to physically detain them. The incident occurred in front of an audience that included actress Michelle Williams.
The protesters, who were chanting and holding signs advocating for the ban of wool in fashion, were confronted by Kolb, the CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Video footage shows Kolb snatching signs from the demonstrators and restraining them.
Kolb was seen approaching one protester, identified as PETA campaigner Mason Melito, and appearing to cover his mouth to stop him from chanting. Security staff then removed Melito. Kolb also intervened with a second protester, who was chanting about protecting sheep, by pulling her to the ground and restraining her wrists while covering her mouth. She eventually stood up and continued to voice her message as she left the runway.
Following the confrontation, the PETA protesters stated they went to a local police precinct to report the incidents and were considering filing charges against the CFDA. Melito claimed his colleague felt she was being suffocated and was taken to urgent care. PETA stated that COS, an H&M offshoot, has been accused of using wool from farms where sheep have allegedly been mistreated.
Neither H&M nor the CFDA immediately responded to requests for comment. Kolb was not reported to have been arrested. MELITO stated that "The violence that was shown to PETA supporters is honestly nothing compared to what these sheep go through."