Powerful Fashion Executive Physically Restrains Woman at NYFW in Shocking Incident

Fashion CEO Steven Kolb physically restrains a protester at NYFW, sparking outrage over violence against women.

September 16, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — A video has surfaced showing Steven Kolb, the head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), physically restraining a female protester during New York Fashion Week. The incident occurred as the Peta activist attempted to disrupt the Cos show on Sunday.

The footage, which quickly went viral, depicts Kolb grabbing the woman’s sign, pushing her to the ground, and covering her mouth with his hand. Another clip shows him confronting a male protester by pushing him against a window and covering his face. The actions took place in front of a large audience, raising concerns about the perceived impunity of those in power.

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Kolb has since been placed on leave from the CFDA, which issued a statement saying it is conducting a full review of the incident. He has also issued an apology, claiming he does not recognize the person depicted in the videos. Meanwhile, calls for his resignation have grown louder, with critics accusing him of insincerity and even suggesting his apology was generated by AI. Activists and industry figures are demanding accountability, highlighting the broader issue of violence against women who speak out.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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