Noor-e-Banaras Brocade Silk Suit (T+B+D) Magenta Pink

Magenta pink is bold. Where can I wear it?

It is made for festive days and evening dinners. The vivid magenta with gold buti glows under evening lights, and the dense gold jaal on the dupatta makes it look celebratory. Gold jewellery suits it best; keep the rest of the look simple so the colour leads.

What is the floral jaal like?

The dupatta carries a dense gold floral jaal, a connected trellis of flowers, so in places very little of the magenta base shows through. It catches the light strongly, and a wide gold band with tassel ends finishes the edge.

Is the pattern woven in or printed?

Woven in. Brocade weaving builds the decorative pattern into the cloth on the loom, often with metallic threads, so the motifs are part of the fabric rather than printed on top. You can feel a slight raised texture over the pattern, and it won't wash or rub off the way a print can.

Any tips I should pass on to my tailor?

Three things help with brocade. Overlock or bind the seams, because woven patterns can fray once cut. Plan the layout so motifs sit centred on the front and upright on the sleeves. And keep the design simple, with few darts and seams, so the woven pattern isn't broken up.

Does the kurta need a lining?

We'd recommend one. A lining keeps the reverse of the brocade off your skin, makes the kurta more comfortable for a full day and helps it hold its shape. A soft cotton lining is comfortable; crepe or satin gives a smoother fall.

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.