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

Should I choose gold or silver jewellery for purple?

Purple sits between warm and cool, which gives you room. Gold makes it look regal and brings out the brocade, while silver and amethyst-toned stones give a cooler, more modern finish. For a quieter dinner, small silver or pearl pieces keep it understated; save gold chandbalis for festive days, when you want the woven pattern and the colour to look their richest.

What does the border look like?

It's a wide cream-gold band patterned with small woven slanted dashes. It frames the dupatta along its length and leads into a bright end panel of peacocks and florals in pink, teal and gold, which is the showpiece of the set against the purple.

How do I balance a quiet kurta with such an ornate dupatta?

Let the dupatta do the talking. Keep the kurta's neckline simple, a round or V neck with thin gold piping, and skip a heavy necklace. Drape the dupatta so the end panel falls over one shoulder or across the front; that shows the peacock and floral motifs instead of hiding them at the back.

Is the top piece long enough for a kurta with sleeves?

The top piece measures 2.5 to 3.0 metres. Most tailors can cut a straight or A-line kurta with sleeves from that for most sizes. A very long or heavily flared anarkali usually needs more, so lay the fabric out with your tailor and settle the cut before anything is cut.

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 work, 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.

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 and don't affect how it wears.

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.