Noor-e-Banaras Zari Brocade Black Silk Suit (T+B+D)

How do I style it for an evening?

Black lets the gold zari and the wide peacock border do the talking, and the zari comes forward under evening lights, so the set suits a dinner or a festive gathering. Gold jhumkas or kundan studs pick up the zari, and a pink or teal potli echoes the colours in the peacock border.

What exactly do I get in the set?

Three unstitched pieces: the top, measuring 3.0 to 3.1 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.

How much of the fabric is patterned?

Away from the border, the base carries only small gold butis spaced well apart, so most of the surface reads calm. The peacock border is where the colour and zari concentrate, so you can keep the look restrained or let the border lead when you dress up.

How do I keep the zari from dulling?

Zari dulls with moisture, perfume and rough handling. Dry cleaning is preferred. Store the set in a muslin cloth away from damp and sunlight, spray perfume before you dress rather than on the fabric, and iron on low heat with a cloth over the zari, never directly on it.

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 an easy 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.