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

Is it ready to wear, or will I need a tailor?

You'll need a tailor. The set is sold as unstitched fabric: a top piece, a bottom piece and a dupatta. Unstitched means you choose the fit and style, a straight kurta or something with more flare, rather than adjusting a ready-made size that may not suit you.

Is black too sombre for festive wear?

Not at all. With gold jewellery and the wide peacock border on show, black reads rich rather than sombre. It is a classic choice for an evening dinner, and with bangles, bright juttis and the dupatta draped to show its tasselled end, it carries well through festive days.

How should I drape the dupatta to show the border?

Pin it on one shoulder with the tasselled end falling in front, so the peacock border hangs where it can be seen. Draped across both shoulders, the border frames your back instead. A small safety pin on the inside of the shoulder stops the silk from sliding.

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.

Which kurta styles show off brocade well?

Straight, A-line and slightly flared kurtas with few seams show the most brocade. A high, round or boat neck keeps the front panel uninterrupted, and three-quarter or full sleeves frame it nicely. Heavy pleating or many panels chop up the woven pattern, so keep those for plainer fabrics.