The head of American fashion's top trade group is out after a viral runway clash with animal welfare activists. Steven Kolb resigned on Friday as CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, days after he was placed on leave while the group reviewed his conduct at a Cos show on Sunday, during New York Fashion Week, reports the New York Times. No successor has been named.
Video from the incident shows Kolb, 64, pushing PETA activist Mason Melito and covering his mouth, then pulling a female protester IDed as Andrija Barak to the floor and restraining her. The clip has drawn hundreds of thousands of views and widespread criticism against Kolb. The fashion chief apologized on Instagram, calling his behavior "out of character" and saying he's seeking professional help.
"I am enormously proud of what we have built together and believe this is the right moment for both me and the organization to begin a new chapter," Kolb said in a statement, per the AP. The CFDA, meanwhile, called Kolb a "dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion," adding that "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."
PETA, which has backed away from an initial plan to file a police report, says a planned meeting with Kolb has been postponed, but that both sides still want to talk, per the Times. The group has acknowledged Kolb's efforts in the past to get fur banned from runways during shows on the CFDA schedule, per the AP.
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