The inspiration for this design comes from the cherry tree in our front yard. The cherry trees in Washington, DC were a gift to the US from Japan, so we wanted to create something with a formal floral, yet Asian feel. (Yes, we realize the Mandarin collar is Chinese, not Japanese. Just let us have our artistic license.) This versatile pattern may be constructed with or without the halter top. The corset features optional boning, which help to provide structure and shape to the garment.