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

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.

Where can I wear it?

Festive gatherings come first: the bright green with gold leaf butis and a paisley hem looks celebratory with bangles and a fuller dupatta drape. It also suits an evening dinner, styled with gold jhumkas and the diagonal-striped dupatta pinned neatly on one shoulder.

How should I drape the striped dupatta?

Pleated and pinned on one shoulder, the diagonal stripes fall in neat parallel lines. Spread across both shoulders, they show the full pattern. Avoid bunching it around the neck, which breaks up the stripes; a small pin on the inside of the shoulder keeps silk from sliding.

What does Banarasi mean in the name?

Banarasi refers to the weaving style the fabric belongs to, known for rich zari work and motifs like florals and paisleys. Lichi silk is one type of Banarasi silk, woven using the lichi technique and recognised for its smooth texture and lustrous finish. In the name, it describes the style of the weave.

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.