Noor-e-Banaras Lichi Silk Brocade Weaving Black Suit (T+B+D)

Will the gold work show up well on black?

Very clearly. The large gold teardrop border and the small leaf butis stand out sharply against black. Because the work is gold only, black and gold is the whole palette, so a single accent colour in a potli or lip is enough to finish the look.

What exactly do I get in the set?

Three unstitched pieces: the top, measuring 2.5 to 3.0 metres; the bottom, 2.4 to 2.5 metres; and the dupatta, 2.4 to 2.5 metres. Together they weigh about 500 gm. There's no ready-made garment, so plan a visit to your tailor well before you want to wear it.

How busy is the body of the fabric?

Not very. Away from the teardrop border, the fabric has small gold leaf butis spaced well apart, so most of the surface shows the smooth base. That keeps the look light, so it can be dressed up for festive days or kept simple for an evening dinner.

What does Banarasi mean here?

Banarasi refers to the weaving tradition associated with Banaras, or Varanasi, known for rich silks and zari patterns. Lichi silk is one type of Banarasi silk, recognised for its smooth texture and lustrous finish. Here it describes the style and family of the weave, with brocade motifs woven into the cloth.

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, and they are what make each piece distinct. The shade on your screen may also differ slightly from the fabric in daylight, since displays vary.

Can I hand-wash it at home?

You can, gently, though dry cleaning is preferred to keep the sheen. Use a mild detergent, wash it on its own, rinse without wringing, roll it in a towel to remove water and dry it in the shade. Direct sunlight can dull silk, so avoid drying it outdoors in the sun.