What does the set look like?
The ground reads as a bright coral-red, woven all over with blue and purple florals and trailing vines. A very wide gold lattice panel finished with tassels carries most of the zari, so the set looks rich and heavy, well suited to festive days and evening dinners.
How should I care for it?
Dry cleaning is preferred. If you hand wash, do it gently with a mild detergent, wash it separately and dry it in the shade. Store it folded in a muslin cloth away from moisture, and iron on low heat with a cloth over the zari.
How heavy is the set?
The three unstitched pieces weigh about 500 gm together. Lichi silk drapes beautifully, and the brocade weave adds raised, textured motifs. The final weight depends on your lining and cut; a light cotton lining keeps it comfortable for longer wear.
What kind of lining works under silk brocade?
Soft cotton is the comfortable choice for long days, since it sits against the skin. Crepe or shantoon gives a smoother fall under a flared cut. Ask your tailor to line the kurta fully, match the lining colour closely and finish the edges so the brocade's reverse threads stay covered.
Can my tailor make an anarkali from it?
It depends on the flare and your size. With 2.5 to 3.0 metres of top fabric, a gently flared or A-line kurta is usually comfortable, while a full-circle anarkali often needs more. Brocade also has a direction, so ask your tailor to plan the panels before cutting to keep the motifs upright.
Should I worry about minor irregularities?
No. Minor irregularities come with handcrafted products: a slight variation in the weave, or a thread that sits a little differently. They don't affect wear or strength. The shade on your screen may also differ slightly from the fabric in daylight, since displays vary.