COS’s Spring/Summer 2027 show, held as part of New York Fashion Week on September 13, was interrupted by PETA activists. They walked onto the runway carrying signs and called for an end to the use of wool.

According to international media reports, the activists were protesting COS’s use of wool, alleging cruel treatment of sheep in the wool industry. PETA is also calling on COS and its parent company, H&M Group, to stop using the material altogether.

Security escorted the protesters out of the venue, but some of them later returned. Steven Kolb, president and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), subsequently intervened.

Videos of the incident shared on social media show Kolb physically restraining the activists, taking their signs away and placing his hand over one protester’s mouth. The footage drew criticism of the CFDA chief and prompted calls for him to step down.

 

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Kolb later said he regretted his reaction and acknowledged that he had acted inappropriately. However, he did not apologize to the protesters.

PETA said it intends to pursue legal action against Kolb and contact law enforcement over his conduct.

COS, meanwhile, emphasizes that it uses certified wool in its products. The brand works with materials certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and NATIVA, among others, and also uses recycled wool.

The incident comes amid a broader debate over the use of animal-derived materials in the fashion industry. This year, the CFDA also introduced a ban on real fur for shows included in the official New York Fashion Week schedule.

Video: Instagram @peta