Deep blue paisley, edged with a wide band of contrasting teal.

Why this piece

Genuinely hand block printed - carved wooden blocks, not a screen or machine
The teal border is wide enough to read as a design line on a straight kurta
Opaque silk needing no lining, and a complete set stitchable up to 4XL

Blue on teal

A deep blue ground carries a small paisley printed close and even across all three pieces. At the hem, a wide decorative band in teal cuts against it, with fine white detail keeping the two blues apart.

Two shades of the same family with a hard edge between them is a more considered look than a straight contrast, and it means the set stays formal even at its most decorative.

Wearing it

Deep blue is the most forgiving colour in an Indian wardrobe - it works in an office, at an evening dinner and at a day function without changing anything but the jewellery. Silver and pearl suit it; so does a plain white inner. Have the teal band placed at the hem rather than cut through it.

A printed contrast border on silk usually means a woven set at a much higher price. Blocks and a steady hand get you there for less.

The set

Top: 2.5 m, 44 to 45 inches wide
Bottom: 2.5 m, 44 to 45 inches wide
Dupatta: 2.5 m, 35 to 36 inches wide
Fabric: Katan silk, hand block printed with hand-carved wooden blocks
Lining: not required, the fabric is opaque; add one only to elevate the look
Stitching: up to 4XL for straight kurta sets, with length customised for larger sizes
Weight: 600 to 650 g for top, bottom and dupatta together
Care: dry clean the first time, then a gentle cold hand wash
Dispatch: dispatched the next working day, even though every metre is printed by hand
Collection: Kairi

The paisleys crowd slightly where one block meets the next. It is not a flaw - it is the record of the print being placed rather than rolled.

Deep Blue Katan Silk Suit with Teal Contrast Border | Kairi