Steven Kolb
Former chief executive and president of the CFDA (2006 to 2026)
Steven Kolb led the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) from 2006 and was one of the longest serving heads of a national fashion council. He resigned in September 2026 following an incident with protesters at a New York Fashion Week show, and the CFDA appointed Hildy Kuryk as interim chief executive.
| Role | Chief executive and president, CFDA (2006 to September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Council of Fashion Designers of America |
| Current CFDA leadership | Hildy Kuryk, interim chief executive (since September 2026) |
| Board chairman | Thom Browne (since January 2023) |
| Nationality | American |
Who is Steven Kolb?
Steven Kolb is an American fashion executive best known for his long tenure as chief executive and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the not for profit trade association of American designers. He joined the CFDA in 2006 and became one of the most visible representatives of American fashion internationally, until his resignation in September 2026.
Career
The CFDA was founded in 1962, with the publicist Eleanor Lambert as its driving force, and today counts more than 325 of America's leading womenswear, menswear, jewellery and accessory designers as members. Kolb led its staff and programmes for close to two decades, working with successive board chairs including Thom Browne, chairman since January 2023.
In September 2026 Kolb was involved in an incident with animal rights protesters at a show during New York Fashion Week. He was placed on leave, acknowledged that he had reacted inappropriately and should have left the situation to security, and resigned on 18 September 2026. The CFDA then appointed Hildy Kuryk as interim chief executive. Kuryk, a former executive director of communications at Vogue and co-founder of the consultancy Artemis Strategies, leads the organisation while Karen Harvey Consulting Group searches for a permanent successor.
Influence on the fashion business
During Kolb's time at the CFDA the organisation consolidated its role as the central institution of American designer fashion. Its main activities include:
- The annual CFDA Fashion Awards
- Ownership of the Fashion Calendar and organisation of the official New York Fashion Week schedule
- Grant, scholarship and professional development programmes for emerging designers and students, including activity linked to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
- Work on diversity, equity and inclusion, and on sustainability in fashion
These programmes give young brands access to mentoring, funding and visibility with buyers and press, and they help set the calendar on which much of the American wholesale and retail industry plans its seasons. The CFDA states that its purpose is to strengthen the impact of American fashion globally by amplifying creative excellence, business longevity and positive impact.
Why it matters
National fashion councils act as intermediaries between independent designers, large brands, retailers, media and government. Kolb's long leadership of the CFDA spanned major changes in the industry, from the growth of e commerce to shifts in the format and relevance of New York Fashion Week. His tenure shaped how American designers are supported, recognised and presented on the international fashion calendar, and the leadership change at the CFDA marks a new phase for the organisation.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Steven Kolb?
Steven Kolb is an American fashion executive who led the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 2006. He resigned in September 2026 following an incident with protesters at a New York Fashion Week show, and Hildy Kuryk was appointed interim chief executive.
What does the CFDA do?
The Council of Fashion Designers of America is a not for profit trade association of more than 325 American designers. It hosts the CFDA Fashion Awards, organises the official New York Fashion Week schedule and runs grants and programmes for emerging talent.