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

The dupatta end has peacock and floral motifs. How do I pick jewellery around them?

Gold is the safest anchor, because it ties in with the zari and the small gold butis. If you want colour, pick up the teal from the dupatta end and repeat it only in the earrings. Several coloured stones against such an ornate dupatta tend to look busy, so keep the rest of your accessories plain.

How do I balance a quiet kurta with such an ornate dupatta?

Let the dupatta do the talking. Keep the kurta's neckline simple, a round or V neck with thin gold piping, and skip a heavy necklace. Drape the dupatta so the decorated end falls over one shoulder or across the front; that shows the peacock and floral motifs instead of hiding them at the back.

Why does the fabric shine the way it does?

Lichi silk has a naturally lustrous finish, and the brocade adds more sheen wherever the woven threads catch the light. So the surface changes a little as you move and in different lighting. That's what makes the fabric look rich without needing extra embellishment.

Is the top piece long enough for a kurta with sleeves?

The top piece measures 2.5 to 3.0 metres. Most tailors can cut a straight or A-line kurta with sleeves from that for most sizes. A very long or heavily flared anarkali usually needs more, so lay the fabric out with your tailor and settle the cut before anything is cut.

Should I worry about minor irregularities?

No. Minor irregularities come with handcrafted products: a slight variation in the weave, or a thread that sits a little differently. They don't affect wear or strength. The shade on your screen may also differ slightly from the fabric in daylight, since displays vary.