Noor-e-Banaras Brocade Silk Suit (T+B+D) Bottle Green

What colours pair with bottle green?

Bottle green pairs beautifully with gold, mustard, maroon and pink. Pearls and kundan suit its depth. Ivory or tan footwear keeps it relaxed; gold juttis make it dressier. A mustard or cream shawl looks lovely over it in winter.

Why do the two pieces look so different?

One piece is covered in a dense gold floral jaal, while the other carries spaced gold leaf butis on the deep bottle green. A wide gold border of paisley arches and gold tassels finish the set. The jaal piece carries the richness, while the buti piece stays lighter.

Is an all-over jaal hard to stitch?

It's easier than a single border design. Because the pattern runs everywhere, the tailor isn't working around one fixed panel. Ask for the motifs to be centred on the front, for the paisley edge to be used where it shows best, and for the seams to be finished well, since dense brocade can fray.

How much fabric is in each piece?

Top: 3.0 to 3.1 metres. Bottom: 2.4 to 2.5 metres. Dupatta: 2.4 to 2.5 metres. The three pieces together weigh about 500 gm. Share these numbers with your tailor when you discuss the design, so the cut you choose fits the fabric you have.

Does brocade fray when it's cut?

It can. Brocade has extra threads woven in for the pattern, and cut edges loosen easily. Ask your tailor to overlock or tape the seams soon after cutting, leave a slightly wider seam allowance, and avoid unpicking seams again and again during fittings.

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 a neat, simple look, fold it lengthwise and pin it on one shoulder. For a dressier evening 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.

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.