Yellow on one side, blue on the other, paisley crossing the colour block.

Why this piece

Opaque on its own - a lining is optional here, never necessary
Two contrasting prints in one set, so a single suit gives you two looks
Genuinely hand block printed with hand-carved wooden blocks in Bhagalpur

The colour block

Yellow and blue are set against each other in panels, each carrying its own small paisley and abstract botanical print, with green appearing where the two need a bridge. Linear bands of pattern run along the hem and edges and hold the whole arrangement together.

Because the two halves are printed differently, you can stitch it to lead with either colour - a yellow kurta with blue detailing, or the reverse. Decide before your tailor cuts.

Wearing it

This is a daylight set: brunches, office festival days, haldi mornings. It is bright without being heavy, and it needs almost no jewellery - a thin gold chain and studs will do. Keep footwear neutral and let the two colours run the outfit.

True colour-blocked hand block printing is rare, because it doubles the work of aligning blocks. Most sets at this price take the easier route of one ground colour.

The set

Top: 2.5 m, 44 to 45 inches wide
Bottom: 2.5 m, 44 to 45 inches wide
Dupatta: 2.5 m, 35 to 36 inches wide
Fabric: Katan silk, hand block printed with hand-carved wooden blocks
Lining: not required, the fabric is opaque; add one only to elevate the look
Stitching: up to 4XL for straight kurta sets, with length customised for larger sizes
Weight: 600 to 650 g for top, bottom and dupatta together
Care: dry clean the first time, then a gentle cold hand wash
Dispatch: dispatched the next working day, even though every metre is printed by hand
Collection: Kairi

The blocks meet the colour break slightly differently along the length. That is hand work, and it is the difference between a printed cloth and a manufactured one.

Yellow & Blue Colour-Block Katan Silk Suit | Kairi