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

Does it come stitched?

No. The set comes as unstitched fabric in three pieces: a top, or kurta, piece of 2.5 to 3.0 metres, a bottom piece of 2.4 to 2.5 metres and a dupatta of 2.4 to 2.5 metres. That lets your tailor cut it to your measurements, with the neckline, sleeve and length you prefer.

How can I style it for a festive evening?

Royal blue with gold work suits festive gatherings and evening dinners. Let the gold floral jaal dupatta lead, and keep the kurta cut clean so the gold leaf buti shows. Gold jhumkas or chandbalis and a small potli pick up the zari, and a loose drape over one shoulder keeps it easy for dinner.

What is the floral jaal like?

The floral jaal is on the dupatta: a connected trellis of gold florals woven across it, finished with a patterned gold zari end border and tassels. The kurta piece is royal blue with gold leaf buti, so the dupatta carries the heavier work and catches the light most.

Is the pattern woven in or printed?

Woven in. Brocade weaving builds the decorative pattern into the cloth on the loom, often with metallic threads, so the motifs are part of the fabric rather than printed on top. You can feel a slight raised texture over the pattern, and it won't wash or rub off the way a print can.

Any tips I should pass on to my tailor?

Three things help with brocade. Overlock or bind the seams, because woven patterns can fray once cut. Plan the layout so motifs sit centred on the front and upright on the sleeves. And keep the design simple, with few darts and seams, so the woven pattern isn't broken up.