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

Red is bold. How do I style it for festive days and dinners?

For festive days, open out the dupatta, add gold jhumkas and bangles, and let the gold dots and lichi sheen do the rest. For an evening dinner, keep the cut straight, pin the dupatta on one shoulder and wear smaller jewellery, so the red looks confident rather than heavy.

Is it ready to wear, or will I need a tailor?

You'll need a tailor. The set is sold as unstitched fabric: a top piece, a bottom piece and a dupatta. Unstitched means you choose the fit and style, a straight kurta or something with more flare, rather than adjusting a ready-made size that may not suit you.

What does the border look like?

It's a wide cream-gold band with small woven dashes along it, framing the dupatta on its long edges. At the end, the dupatta opens into a multicolour floral panel with touches of green and pink, which balances the small gold dots scattered across the red.

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 used for this suit.

How long is the dupatta, and how can I drape it?

The dupatta measures 2.4 to 2.5 metres, enough for most drapes. For a neat look, fold it lengthwise and pin it on one shoulder. For a dressier look, take it across both shoulders with the ends falling behind, or over one arm. A small safety pin on the inside keeps it in place on silk.

How do I wash it?

Dry cleaning is preferred. If you hand-wash, use a mild detergent and a gentle touch, wash it separately from other clothes, don't wring or twist it, and dry it in the shade. Iron on low heat with a cloth between the iron and the silk to protect the sheen and the brocade.