Silkmark Tussar Glowing Blockprint Black & Red Saree

Will black and red look too heavy for daytime?

Not if you style it lightly. The red keeps the black from looking sombre, and tussar's natural sheen adds glow in daylight. Wear it with a pleated pallu, small earrings and light makeup during the day; for the evening, open the pallu and add gold.

Which blouse suits the Glowing saree beyond the running piece?

A red blouse leans into the warmth and suits festive gatherings. A black blouse gives a sleek, modern line. For a softer finish, try mustard or a gold-toned silk. Each one changes the mood of the saree while keeping the black and red block print in focus.

Will I need to buy blouse fabric separately?

No. A blouse piece in the pallu colour is attached to the saree and comes unstitched, in the same tussar silk. Detach it and have it stitched to your fit. You can still choose a different blouse on some days, but the matching piece is there whenever you want it.

Can I keep it with my other silk sarees?

Yes, but give it its own bag rather than stacking it bare against other sarees. Keep the cupboard dry, and take it out now and then to air and refold it. A separate bag also keeps the printed surface from rubbing against zari or embellished pieces.

What is Ghicha tussar?

Ghicha is a way of spinning tussar from the shorter fibres left over after the main silk is produced. The result is a yarn with a slightly coarser texture than regular tussar. It is still Silkmark certified silk, with the rich texture and natural sheen tussar is valued for.

How can I tell it's a real block print?

Look closely at the repeats. In a hand block print, motifs may sit very slightly off line, and the depth of colour can vary from one stamp to the next. Machine prints look uniform. Those small irregularities are exactly what makes a handcrafted piece unique.