Noor-e-Banaras Brocade Weaving Lichi Silk Suit (T+B+D) (T+B+D) Teal Green

What exactly do I get in the set?

Three unstitched pieces: the top, measuring 2.5 to 3.0 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.

What shawl suits teal green?

Ivory, cream or silver-grey shawls keep teal green elegant. For warmth, mustard or rust stoles make a rich contrast. A deeper bottle-green shawl looks tonal and refined. Black can flatten the colour, so choose something with a little light in it.

What are the roses like?

The fabric carries a jaal of pink roses with leaves and vines, touched with yellow, on the teal-green ground. A very wide gold lattice panel finishes the piece and ends in tassels, so the soft roses and the bold gold sit side by side and give the set its festive weight.

How should I drape the dupatta?

Drape it over one shoulder so the wide gold lattice panel and tassels fall in front, or across both shoulders with the panel at the back for a quieter look. The pink rose jaal shows either way. Pin it on the inside of the shoulder so the silk stays put.

How should I plan the stitching?

Lay the top fabric out fully before cutting so you can see where the rose jaal falls, and ask your tailor to centre the motifs on the front. With 2.5 to 3.0 metres for the top and 2.4 to 2.5 for the bottom, a straight or A-line kurta with straight pants or a salwar works for most sizes.

Will a silk dupatta keep slipping off my shoulder?

Silk is smooth, so it can slide. Pin it at the shoulder from the inside with a small safety pin or a brooch, or fold it into pleats before pinning for more grip. At 2.4 to 2.5 metres it's long enough to go across both shoulders, which also helps it stay put.

How should I store and iron it?

Store it folded in a muslin or cotton cloth, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and refold it now and then so creases don't set along the same lines. Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth on top. Keep perfume and deodorant away from the silk; spray them before you dress.