Noor-e-Banaras Brocade Weaving Lichi Silk White 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.

Is it only for festive days, or can I wear it to a dinner too?

Both. The ivory and gold brocade suits festive days, and the bright floral border makes it easy to dress up for an evening dinner. Gold jewellery and a red lip work well for the evening, while bright bangles and a loosely draped dupatta suit a festive day.

How is the set patterned?

The ivory ground carries small tonal gold buti, and a wide gold border with a multicolour floral vine in pink, blue, orange and navy frames it. The bright border is the main accent, so simple gold jewellery is enough to complete the look.

How does lichi silk fall once stitched?

Lichi silk has a smooth texture and a lustrous finish and drapes beautifully, so it falls cleanly in straight and A-line kurtas. The full set weighs about 500 g. For a softer, more fluid fall, ask your tailor for a lightweight lining.

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.