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

What goes well with violet?

Violet is a cool colour, so silver, oxidised and pearl jewellery sit naturally with it. For contrast, mustard or soft-gold accents warm it up. Ivory, silver-grey or blush footwear keeps the look light. If you add a shawl in winter, a grey or off-white wrap works better than a dark one, which can make violet look heavy and hide the brocade.

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.

Will the coloured motifs on the dupatta clash with my jewellery?

Not if you pick a lead. Gold jewellery ties in with the gold dot buti and the wide cream-gold border and is the easiest choice. If you'd like colour, borrow the orange-red from the dupatta's florals for your earrings or bangles. Avoid stones in several colours, which compete with the peacock end.

How is brocade different from embroidery?

Embroidery is stitched onto finished fabric with a needle. Brocade is woven into the cloth itself, using extra threads that form the pattern as the fabric is made. So the design on the Noor-e-Banaras suit is part of the fabric, with a slightly raised feel, rather than sitting on top of it.

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 to the violet and finish the edges neatly.

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 make each piece its own. The shade on your screen may also differ slightly from the fabric in daylight, since displays vary.