CFDA CEO Steven Kolb resigns after clash with protesters

Steven Kolb resigned as CEO and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) on Friday, two days after the organization placed him on leave pending a review of his conduct. The decision follows a physical confrontation Kolb had with animal rights activists during a New York Fashion Week runway show on Sunday.

Kolb was seen grabbing at least two protesters demonstrating against the use of wool by COS, a brand owned by H&M. Videos circulated online showed Kolb pinning one activist to the ground and covering her mouth. He later apologized for his actions on Monday, admitting that there was no justification for his behavior and that security should have handled the situation.

The protest was organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which stated that Kolb's actions demonstrated how "top people in fashion use violence to silence people" advocating for animal rights. Kolb had initially stated he was taking voluntary leave but the CFDA board later announced he was on leave pending a full review.

The CFDA board, which includes designers such as Thom Browne, Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors, acknowledged Kolb's decision to step down and expressed gratitude for his 20 years of service. The organization has not yet named a successor.