H&M in Talks with PETA After Fashion Week Disruption
Senior executives at H&M are set to meet with the animal rights organization PETA following a chaotic incident at New York Fashion Week. This occurred over the weekend and involved Daniel Hermann, the managing director of H&M’s upscale brand COS.
During the event, a protester from PETA disrupted the runway show, leading to a scene where Hermann helped pull the woman down while Steven Kolb, the head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, also intervened. Video footage captures the moments of restraint, showing Hermann grabbing the protester’s arm as Kolb managed to secure her on the floor.
As this scuffle unfolded, models continued to walk the runway, showcasing COS’s upcoming autumn/winter collection. Kolb can be seen covering the protester’s mouth to muffle her cries about the alleged cruel practices in the wool industry.
PETA reached out to Hermann the day after the incident, requesting a meeting to discuss concerns about wool sourcing and animal welfare. PETA spokesperson Moira Colley mentioned that while pursuing legal action is under consideration, their priority lies in holding discussions with Kolb and H&M about their findings regarding the wool industry.
In response, COS issued a statement saying that the incident should have been de-escalated and that they are reviewing the events with the involved teams. They expressed regret for the experience faced by guests and participants. Furthermore, H&M acknowledged an ongoing dialogue with PETA and is open to further discussions about animal welfare concerns.
Kolb has since apologized for his actions and announced a voluntary break from his position at CFDA. He expressed remorse and his intention to meet with PETA to resolve matters face-to-face with those involved.
PETA’s representatives felt shocked by the level of force used during the protest, emphasizing that their protests traditionally do not resort to violence. They criticized COS’s claims of being ethically minded, suggesting the treatment seen during the incident contradicted those values.
As PETA is known for its provocative tactics, they have not disclosed how their activists were able to enter the invitation-only COS show. Colley mentioned having contacts within the fashion industry who share their concerns about animal cruelty.
PETA’s investigations into the wool industry have revealed troubling practices on farms globally, something they detailed in their communication with Hermann. Meanwhile, H&M stands by its claim that all sourced wool adheres to ethical standards, asserting that it either meets the Responsible Wool Standard or comes from certified recycled sources.
One reported PETA investigation examined a sheep farm in New Zealand connected to former “Today Show” host Matt Lauer. PETA’s president previously described the treatment of sheep there as horrific, although a representative for Lauer denied any knowledge of such allegations before being contacted for comment.
