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

Will the gold border look too heavy?

Not with simple styling. Apart from the gold teardrop border, the fabric carries only small gold leaf butis, so a straight kurta with small studs keeps it graceful at a dinner. For a festive gathering, drape the dupatta fully and add heavier earrings.

Is the design gold only, or multicolour?

Gold only. The paisley border, the woven band and the leaf butis 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 is brocade different from embroidery?

Embroidery is stitched onto finished fabric with a needle. Brocade is woven into the cloth itself, using extra threads that form the pattern as the fabric is made. So the design on the Noor-e-Banaras suit is part of the fabric, with a slightly raised feel, rather than sitting on top of it.

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.

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.