PETA Protests H&M Wool Use, CFDA CEO Resigns
PETA disrupted H&M's COS and London Fashion Week shows over alleged wool supply cruelty, leading to CFDA CEO Steven Kolb's resignation after a physical
PETA targeted H&M’s COS and London Fashion Week shows in September, alleging cruelty in wool supply chains despite certifications like NATIVA. The resignation of Council of Fashion Designers of America CEO Steven Kolb followed a September 13 confrontation at the COS runway show in New York.
PETA disrupted H&M's London Fashion Week show on September 17 at Kensington Olympia. Three protesters carried signs calling on the brand to drop wool. Security escorted them away without physical confrontation. This was part of the same wider campaign against wool that saw action at the COS show days earlier. PETA claims its investigations have uncovered abuse in more than 150 wool-producing operations across four continents. The group states that switching suppliers does not solve the problem and demands the fashion sector move away from wool and other animal-derived materials.
PETA's campaign focuses on H&M Group’s use of wool. An undercover investigation by PETA Asia allegedly documented animal abuse at a NATIVA-certified South American wool operation. The group filmed workers kicking sheep, striking them with shearing equipment, dragging lambs, and cutting animals during shearing. PETA also reported finding a lamb with a maggot-infested wound and a dead lamb. The group claims NATIVA wool certification is insufficient and that all wool involves cruelty.
H&M stated animal welfare is important and that no animal should be harmed. The company said it is committed to responsible sourcing and relies on strict third-party standards including the Textile Exchange’s Responsible Wool Standard or certified recycled sources. H&M added that it takes breaches of these standards seriously.
CFDA CEO steps down after confrontation with protesters
Steven Kolb resigned as president and CEO of the CFDA on September 18. This came after he physically intervened with two PETA protesters at the COS show, wrestling one to the ground and covering her mouth. Kolb also took a poster from a protester during the incident.
Kolb apologized on September 14, stating there was no justification for physically restraining another person. He subsequently announced a voluntary leave and sought professional guidance. The CFDA placed Kolb on leave while conducting an internal review. Kolb had led the organization for around two decades. In a resignation post, he thanked members, designers, staff, board members, partners, and four CFDA chairs: Stan Herman, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford, and Thom Browne. The CFDA has not announced a successor.
Industry faces renewed pressure on animal-derived materials
The back-to-back incidents have fueled a broader debate about wool, fur, and brand responsibility. They echo past industry shifts where major brands moved away from animal-derived materials. Gucci announced a fur-free policy in 2017. Chanel banned fur and exotic skins in 2018. Kering announced all its fashion houses would go fur-free in 2021.
PETA itself ended its long-running "I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign in 2020. The group said its 17 exposés have covered more than 150 wool-industry operations worldwide. These recent protests and the leadership fallout have put an unusual spotlight on fashion week, sparking wider conversation about runway disruption handling and brand responses to ethical campaigns. The CFDA has not announced a successor to Kolb.
