The collar has always been been an integral part of the Indian ensemble. The bandgala, also known as the mandarin collar, was popularised by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, so much so that it is now known as the Nehru collar.

And in the 51st year of India's independence, this inch or two of band is also proving to be quite an international fashion syndrome.

Brahmini Subramaniam's Nehru coats and halters jostled for space at the Dusseldorf collection and the international catwalks in Europe, proving that much Indian inspiration has seeped into the creative work of Western designers - be it in motif, colour, shape, basic essence or even the collar. Today, it is visible on jackets, waistcoats, shirts, sherwanis, kurtas, cholis and swimming wraps.

In Pune, too, upmarket boutiques are cashing in on this trend and coming up with ensembles that have a bandgala as the highlight, encrusted with beads or zardosi work. Even a plain kurta seems to take on a richer look merely with the addition of the Nehru collar, and the effect is heightened with the use of boria, boondi, pearl, shell and other buttons. The collar can be left loose or buttoned up as the occasion demands. Push-up sleeves co-ordinate well with the bandgala.

The Nehru collar is an eternal favourite with Indian designers and no ethnic collection can be complete without the sartorial elegance it lends. It is an extremely popular feature on jackets and blends well even with western outfits such as tight-fit halter dresses, tops and cotton shirts. Besides the usual khadi and indigo kurtas, it goes well with silk, jacquard sherwanis, pin-striped jackets, velvet and silk blouses. So if you have never worn the Nehru collar, maybe it is about time you did.