How does the gota look on the black body?
Very bold. A chain of gold gota flowers forms a band along the border, framed by a wide red dotted-wave edge, and small flowers are scattered over the body. Against the black, both the gold and the red stand out sharply, with small touches of mirror work adding extra sparkle.
What blouse goes with black and red?
An 80 cm blouse piece comes with the saree. A red blouse picks up the dotted border and looks dramatic, while a black blouse keeps it sleek and lets the gota shine. Gold jhumkas or a choker suit the contrast well, especially for a sangeet or a festive evening.
Is the shine real gota or a metallic print?
It is real gota patti: small pieces of gold or silver-coloured ribbon cut and stitched onto the Kota cotton by hand. Run your fingers over the work and you will feel the slight raise of each piece; on the reverse you can see the stitches.
Can I wash it at home?
Yes. Hand wash it gently with a mild detergent, on its own, then dry it in the shade. Don't wring or scrub the gota areas; press the water out in a towel instead, and iron from the reverse on low heat so the metallic ribbon keeps its shine.
How much fabric is there for the blouse?
You get an 80 cm blouse piece along with the 5.4 to 5.5 metre saree. That is the usual allowance for a regular blouse; if you want long sleeves or a back with extra detailing, show the piece to your tailor before you settle the design.
How does it feel to wear?
Light and cool. Kota cotton is a lightweight, breathable pure cotton with an airy checkered weave, so it suits hot weather and summer travel, while the gota patti still gives it a festive shine. It is an easy choice for long celebrations like a sangeet or a kitty brunch.
What are the small squares I can see in the fabric?
Those are khats, the signature checks of Kota weaving. They are woven into the cloth itself, not printed, and they give Kota cotton its airy, faintly textured look. Hold the saree up to the light and you will see the grid clearly.