Ornate Banarasi Silk Jaquard Royal Purple Saree

What sets the pallu apart from the body?

The body keeps to small gold leaf buti, while the pallu switches to a geometric hexagon brocade worked in gold zari. Against the deep purple ground the gold geometry stands out clearly, and a gold floral border runs along the edge to connect the two.

What jewellery suits the deep purple and gold?

Gold jewellery is the natural match for the zari: temple pieces, kundan or a layered gold necklace. Emerald or ruby-toned stones look rich against the purple. Keep the earrings bold and the neckline simple if you're wearing the pallu pleated and pinned.

Is the fabric soft or stiff?

The fabric is Banarasi soft silk, smooth to the touch with a rich lustre. The body keeps to small gold leaf buti on the deep purple ground, while the zari-rich hexagon brocade pallu gives the saree its richness at the shoulder.

What blouse would you suggest?

A blouse piece comes attached to the saree, so you only need to decide the colour and cut. A gold or antique gold blouse picks up the pallu, a matching purple keeps the look tall and continuous, and magenta or emerald gives a stronger contrast for festive wear.

Is the pattern woven or printed?

Woven. It's made with jacquard weaving, a loom-controlled process that builds the buti, the border and the hexagon pallu into the cloth itself, rather than printing or stamping them on the surface afterwards.

How do I store it between wears?

It is dry clean only. Keep it in its own bag in a dry cupboard, away from damp, and air it in dry weather. Change the folds now and then so the zari doesn't set into one crease, and if it ever gets damp, dry it in shade.