Full Breakdown
CFDA Chief’s Physical Intervention in PETA Wool Protest at COS New York Fashion Week
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On September 13, during the COS Fall/Winter 2026 runway at the WSA building, Steven Kolb—president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)—physically restrained two PETA activists who entered the runway. Video shows Kolb pulling a protest sign, pushing a male demonstrator toward a wall, covering a female protester’s mouth, and wrapping his leg around her while seated. Security later escorted the activists and the show continued.
Background & Context
The CFDA, which organizes New York Fashion Week and represents more than 300 American designers, announced a ban on animal fur for the September 2026 season in December 2025. The policy excludes wool and other sheared-animal fibers, a point criticized by animal-rights groups. PETA has targeted H&M Group—the Swedish parent of COS—over alleged cruelty at a South African wool farm certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). H&M reported that licenses for one wool farm and one mohair farm were suspended after an investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
- Steven Kolb apologized, saying he “reacted inappropriately” and should have let security handle the situation.
- CFDA said Kolb “fully acknowledged” his response and that future disruptions will be managed by professional security staff.
- H&M Group reiterated its commitment to animal welfare, noting that all virgin wool and mohair used are sourced from RWS-certified farms and that the suspended farms are no longer permitted to sell certified materials.
- PETA called the incident an assault, filed a police report and announced plans to pursue criminal charges while urging H&M and COS to eliminate wool from their collections.
Criticism & Opposition
“Today’s actions show how top people in fashion use violence to silence people who expose how sheep are beaten, bloodied and violently killed for scarves and sweaters,” said PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk.
Senior PETA campaigner Mason Melito indicated that PETA’s legal team is considering next steps and seeks a meeting with Kolb.
Fashion observer Steph Saltzman, beauty and style director for *Fashionista*, described the scene as “shaken” and said attendees appeared unsettled.
Data & Statistics
- CFDA membership exceeds 300 designers across womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessories.
- The September 2026 fur ban prohibits pelts from mink, fox, rabbit, chinchilla and coyote, but not wool.
- H&M’s investigation led to the suspension of certifications for one wool farm and one mohair farm.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of activists who entered the runway: *The New York Times* reported “about five,” while *The Cut* and *Vanity Teen* cited “six.” No source confirms whether the South African farm directly supplied wool for the COS collection.
Timeline
- December 2025 – CFDA announces fur ban for upcoming NYFW season.
- September 13 – COS runway disrupted; Kolb restrains two PETA activists.
- Following days – Kolb posts apology; CFDA, H&M and PETA issue statements and legal actions.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights tension between fashion’s sustainability pledges and animal-rights activism, questioning the adequacy of wool certification systems and the role of industry leaders in handling protests.