CALICO

What is a phiran?

A phiran is the traditional Kashmiri outerwear gown, worn by both men and women, historically extending to the feet and in modern form to below the knee. It's worn over a salwar or suthan. Traditionally cotton in summer and wool in winter, contemporary versions use velvet and silk. Luxuries of Kashmir's Symphony collection cuts the phiran in velvet with hand-worked tilla embroidery, paired with a straight salwar.

What do you wear a phiran with?

Traditionally with a salwar or suthan underneath - a loose trouser. Symphony phiran sets ship as complete ensembles: Blushing Blossom pairs its velvet phiran with a straight salwar embroidered down to the poncha, the cuff of the leg. Because the phiran is a layering garment by design, it also works over fitted trousers or churidar. No dupatta is needed; the silhouette is complete on its own.

How do you care for velvet with tilla embroidery?

Dry clean only, specifying both the velvet and the metallic hand embroidery. Never iron velvet directly - steam it hanging, from the reverse. Store on a padded hanger rather than folded, since folding crushes the pile and flattens raised tilla work. Keep metallic thread out of prolonged direct sunlight, which tarnishes it. Luxuries of Kashmir specifies dry clean across the Symphony collection.