What trims suit navy blue?
Gold lace or piping looks classic against navy and echoes the brocade. Silver gives a cooler, modern finish. For a pop, a thin pink, coral or mustard piping at the neck and sleeves works well. Keep trims slim so the woven pattern stays the main feature of the kurta.
Does it come stitched?
No. The set comes as unstitched fabric in three pieces: a top, or kurta, piece of 2.5 to 3.0 metres, a bottom piece of 2.4 to 2.5 metres and a dupatta of 2.4 to 2.5 metres. That lets your tailor cut it to your measurements, with the neckline, sleeve and length you prefer.
Is the design gold only, or multicolour?
Gold only. The teardrop border, the woven band and the leaf buti are all in gold, so the base colour does the talking. That makes the set easy to accessorise: any jewellery metal works, and one accent colour in a potli or juttis is enough.
How does the dupatta finish at the ends?
With a gold zari border of large teardrop motifs, finished with tassels. The teardrop border is the dressiest part of the dupatta, so let it fall in front when you drape it over one shoulder, and pin it from the inside so the silk stays put.
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.
What style of bottom can I get from the bottom piece?
With 2.4 to 2.5 metres, most tailors can make straight pants, cigarette pants or a regular salwar for most sizes. A very full patiala or a wide palazzo may need more, so check with your tailor. Straight pants keep the look sleek for a dinner; a salwar feels more traditional for festive days.
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.