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

How bright are the coloured motifs on the dupatta?

Bright enough to stand out. The peacock and floral end of the dupatta is worked in pink against the gold, and the wide gold border carries tiny coloured dots. Keep accessories in gold or a single soft pink so these touches of colour stay the highlight.

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.

Which neckline suits the kurta's design?

The interest is at the hem and on the dupatta, so the upper body is fairly quiet, with small cream flower dots. A round, boat or V neck with thin piping keeps it clean. Avoid a heavily worked yoke, which would compete with the pale-gold temple-stripe hem.

Any tips I should pass on to my tailor?

Three things help with brocade. Overlock or bind the seams for a neat finish inside. 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.

What style of bottom can I get from the bottom piece?

With 2.4 to 2.5 metres, most tailors can make straight pants, cigarette pants or a regular salwar for most sizes. A very full patiala or a wide palazzo may need more, so check with your tailor. Straight pants look sleek for an evening dinner; a salwar feels more traditional for festive days.

Will it look exactly like the photos?

Very close, with two caveats. Colours can look slightly different on different screens, and because this is a handcrafted product, small irregularities in the weave are part of its character rather than flaws. They make each piece slightly different from the next.