NYFW CEO Steven Kolb Confronts PETA Protesters on the COS Runway

Sunday’s COS Spring 2027 runway in Manhattan turned into an unexpected arena of drama when two PETA activists stormed the catwalk, waving signs that called for a ban on wool. The crowd, which included stars like Michelle Williams, watched as the protest escalated.

Rather than stepping aside, CFDA chief Steven Kolb—who runs New York Fashion Week’s governing body—charged toward the demonstrators. Video captured him snatching a sign from Mason Melito, a PETA campaigner, and, in a quick motion, covering the activist’s mouth to silence the chant.

Security soon intervened, pulling Melito away, while Kolb turned his attention to a second protester who was loudly demanding, “Protect the sheep!” He shoved her to the floor, wrapped a leg around her and held her wrists, all while keeping his hand over her mouth. The woman managed to stand again, marching back down the runway shouting, “Please take sheep off the runway!” before the show continued as planned.

After the incident, the two activists filed a report at a nearby police precinct and hinted they might press charges against the CFDA. Melito later told reporters that his colleague felt “suffocated” and needed urgent care after the scuffle.

Kolb has not been arrested, and neither H&M—parent of the COS line—nor the CFDA offered comment. The protest, according to PETA, was aimed at exposing alleged mistreatment of sheep in the supply chain, a claim the fashion brand has not addressed publicly.

Whether the incident will translate into legal action remains unclear, but it certainly added a new layer of controversy to a week already buzzing with celebrity sightings and high‑fashion drama.