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

What jewellery suits navy blue?

Navy suits almost every metal. Silver and pearls give a crisp, modern look; gold and kundan make it rich and traditional. Ruby or emerald-toned stones stand out well against it. For daytime, small studs; for later, chandbalis. Keep to one metal so the look stays clean against the brocade.

What does (T+B+D) in the name mean?

It stands for Top, Bottom and Dupatta, the three pieces in the set. All three come as unstitched fabric: 2.5 to 3.0 metres for the kurta, 2.4 to 2.5 metres for the bottom, and a dupatta of 2.4 to 2.5 metres. You'll need a tailor for the kurta and the bottom.

Does the dupatta have tassels?

Yes. The dupatta ends in navy tassels just below the wide gold peacock border. They are a nice finishing detail when the dupatta is draped over one shoulder and left to fall, so the border and tassels show together against the deep navy.

What's the motif on the border?

Peacocks in pink and teal among flowers, woven into a wide gold brocade panel. The rest of the fabric is deep navy scattered with small gold leaf butis, so the border is clearly the highlight of the set.

Can I wear the dupatta with other outfits?

Yes. At 2.4 to 2.5 metres with woven brocade, it's a full-length dupatta that can lift a plain kurta or a simple solid suit. Pair it with a neutral or a complementary shade so the brocade stays the focus, and you have a second outfit from the same set.

Which kurta styles show off brocade well?

Straight, A-line and slightly flared kurtas with few seams show the most brocade. A high, round or boat neck keeps the front panel uninterrupted, and three-quarter or full sleeves frame it nicely. Heavy pleating or many panels chop up the woven pattern, so keep those for plainer fabrics.

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.