US fashion CEO resigns after physically restraining animal rights activists

The chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Steven Kolb, has resigned from his role, days after he was filmed physically restraining two animal rights activists during an altercation at New York fashion week.

“After 20 years leading the CFDA, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO and president,” Kolb said in a statement. “I am enormously proud of what we have built together and believe this is the right moment for both me and the organisation to begin a new chapter.”

Kolb had been placed on leave on Tuesday pending a review after an incident during a COS show on Sunday at New York fashion week.

In a video, Kolb could be seen trying to restrain two People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) protesters who attempted to disrupt the show in a demonstration against the use of wool by the H&M group that owns COS.

Kolb pushed a protester, identified as Mason Melito, and covered his mouth. Kolb also wrestled a second protester to the ground, using his arms and a leg to restrain her and putting his hand over her mouth.

Speaking to the Guardian after the incident, Melito described the situation “as a scary one” and that Kolb’s behaviour was “completely uncalled for.”

The CFDA is a non-profit organisation that supports and promotes American designers and brands. It also organises the official New York fashion week schedule.

A statement issued by the CFDA board, which includes designers such as Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Michael Kors, said: “Steven Kolb has been a dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion throughout his more than two decades at the CFDA, including 15 years as CEO.

“We respect Steven’s decision to step down and are grateful for his many years of leadership and service to the CFDA and our industry. He leaves the organisation well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team, to carry out the important work ahead as we look to the future of American fashion.”

The group is yet to name a successor.

In a statement to the Guardian, a Peta USA spokesperson said: “This unfortunate incident, which has cost Mr Kolb his job, would never have taken place if Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M, had, as Peta requested so many times, taken action to avoid extreme violence to animals exploited for clothing.

“We will still be meeting with Mr Kolb, and hopefully others in the industry will meet and take meaningful steps to stop this epidemic of cruelty to animals for nothing more than a look.”

Peta staged another protest on Thursday night during London fashion week when three protesters stormed the catwalk during an H&M show. Each one held a sign stating “H&M: Wool is bloody cruel. Drop it.” After stepping down from the catwalk, they were escorted out of the venue by security.