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Back in black

We blame Gok Wan for many things, including a press release we received this week. It stated the economic climate is not just having a physical, but also a material impact on the UK's office workers, according to workwear specialists Alexandra. The figures show that people's preferred suit has moved away from colour over the years as the country has become gripped by the economic uncertainty. The statistics – which focus on suit orders from 2005 to 2011 – reveal that demand for navy blue, which was the most popular colour in 2005, has dropped while the popularity of charcoal, has steadily increased.

Nick Acaster, marketing director at Alexandra, who is himself a qualified psychologist, said: "We are not surprised by these findings. While people may be continuing to rise to the many challenges that come their way, subliminally, their work clothes are projecting a different image, which has become more monotone in line with the bleaker economic climate.

"It has been, and continues to be, a challenging time for the UK's workforce. It is undoubtedly having an impact on how the majority of people feel as a result of them having been or being directly or indirectly impacted by the current economic climate."

Sales of navy blue suits have dropped from 47 per cent in 2005 to 37 per cent in 2011 while sales of charcoal suits have increased from 9 per cent to 11 per cent. The number of people striving to look that bit smarter has also risen, with the sales of pinstripe suits increasing from 2 per cent to 7 per cent.

The figures also show that black suits have remained a staple favourite over the years, with sales remaining over 40 per cent during 2005 to 2011.

Acaster added: "Colours such as charcoal and black are commonly connected to depression as they are shades that absorb colour and reflect nothing back, while blue is associated with soothing and calming feelings."

Just too divine.

Fancy a brew?

Nottingham-based brand and packaging design consultancy We Are Pure this week unveiled its rebrand of brewery Loddon.

As part of the three-month project, We Are Pure has produced "fresh new concepts" for Loddon's range of five core beers, as well a monthly special beer. The consultancy has also produced new marketing material, including beer mats, runners, pump clips and glasses, as the family run brewery looks to increase its market share.

The dream job for We Are Pure's owner and creative partner David Rogers, you'd think. And you'd be right: David told us: "This is the first time we've rebranded a beer range, and I think that has worked to our advantage." We'll bet it has, David.

Life begins at 52

We're busy looking for nominations for this year's 42 under 42 awards, which led Alan Boyden of BCS Agency down a dark road this week. Replying to an email we sent out asking for nominations, Alan wrote back: "If only. How about 52 under 52?" We'll call you, Alan.