Will the purple look exactly like the photo?
Close, with the usual caveats. Screens show colour differently, so what you see here is a close guide rather than an exact match. The lichi sheen also means the purple looks a little different as you move and under different lights. Choose your jewellery in daylight if you want the truest pairing.
Where should the paisley border go when it's stitched?
At the hem, where it's woven to sit. Ask your tailor to plan the kurta length around the border instead of cutting into it, and to centre the gold leaf butis on the front panel. A straight or slightly flared cut keeps the border flat and readable.
Is the dupatta really striped?
Yes. The dupatta is woven in bold diagonal gold stripes across the base colour, with a narrow gold border along the edges. It makes a lively contrast with the kurta, which has gold leaf butis rather than stripes, and the diagonals create movement when it's draped.
How much fabric is in each piece?
Top: 2.5 to 3.0 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.
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 an evening dinner; a salwar feels more traditional.
Does the kurta need a lining?
We'd recommend one. Brocade weaving leaves the pattern threads floating on the reverse, and a lining keeps them 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 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 look, fold it lengthwise and pin it on one shoulder. For a dressier 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.