H&M Executives Meet with PETA Following Incident at Fashion Show

H&M executives met with representatives from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) last month following an incident at New York Fashion Week where an activist was reportedly confronted by high-level fashion executives, including an H&M official. The meeting, held via Zoom on September 25, was described as disappointing by Anne Brainard, PETA’s senior director of strategy, who stated that H&M made no commitments regarding their use of wool. Brainard noted that while H&M acknowledged the unacceptable use of animals, no changes were proposed. H&M and its upscale brand COS are currently a focus for PETA, which plans to continue its campaigns against the company. PETA has been in conflict with H&M for over a decade, with the retailer previously agreeing to stop using fur, exotic skins, angora, and materials from endangered species due to PETA's pressure. The meeting followed a disruption at a COS fashion show in Manhattan, where a protestor was removed from the runway by Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who later apologized for his actions. H&M stated that they respect the right to express views and prioritize animal welfare, agreeing with PETA that no animals should be harmed in fashion. The company did not comment on the specifics of the discussion with PETA or any further actions regarding the fashion show incident.