Fashion Statement: Raf Simons, shoes and shopping

Position filled, and not before time

So finally we have our answer. Raf Simons is officially the new man in at Dior. Cathy Horyn of the New York Times broke the news on bank holiday Monday and we temporarily put our Easter egg eating duties on hold to digest the news. Simons is a popular choice for the role judging by the rapturous response from the entire fashion industry. You probably already know much more about the Belgian designer than you think you do – here’s Imogen Fox on what to expect at the house of Dior in the coming months. And in case you were wondering: although he’s unlikely to completely ditch his minimalist roots, the man himself claims that femininity will be the watchword in Simons-era Dior. We’re already counting down to the Paris Couture shows in July to see what he will do.

Shopping pointers for stylish gentlemen

High-street spring style. Photograph: COS/H&M/Wolsey

Fashionable men: we feel like we may have neglected you on the shopping front of late. So Simon Chilvers decided to redress the balance with some hot spring shopping suggestions from the high street. Whether it’s a simple sweatshirt, a shiny bomber or a restrained pair of trainers you’re after, here are a few pointers. Any resemblance of this gallery to the Raf Simons aesthetic is entirely coincidental (OK, it was that kind of a week).

How green is the high street giant H&M?

H&M’s Exclusive Conscious collection has been made from sustainable materials

The Observer was given early access to the brand’s latest sustainability report, which was published this week. Here’s Lucy Siegle’s take on the retail giant’s quest for sustainability. Meanwhile, the brand launched its new red carpet collection – an offshoot of its existing eco-friendly Conscious line. Those with a keen fashion eye will remember that Michelle Williams gave us a preview of the line at this year’s Baftas.

Ask and ye shall receive (brutally honest) fashion wisdom

Chloe Green. Photograph: Richard Young/Rex Features

Want to read Hadley Freeman’s appraisal of Chloe (daughter of Philip) Green’s latest venture into shoe design? “Raised on the mean streets of Monaco and with nothing to keep her entertained other than Daddy’s 7m plane and 20m yacht … Chloe is now branching out into shoe design, presumably having opted against DJing and lingerie manufacturing, the usual pastimes of the young, moneyed and untrained.” Of course you do. Click here.

Debating matter

Last week’s Brick-gate saga got the Invisible Woman thinking about her three different makeup faces. For her it’s Work Face, Going Out Face and Weekend Face. Want to join in the makeup/no makeup debate? Step this way.

And finally …

Who needs the sun when you’ve got St Tropez?

Anna Chesters has the final word on fake tan in her Brief History of St Tropez. Meanwhile, we take a look at Amir Khan potentially punching above his fashion weight.