From silhouettes to necklines, advice from our Expert Stylists. Much more than just a dress, a wedding gown is a beautiful reflection of personality and style. For every bride, there is a perfect wedding dress waiting to be discovered. At Raffaele Ciuca, we believe every bride deserves such a gown. There is nothing more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day. Raffaele Ciuca has spent sixty years assisting our brides find their elegance and romance for their wedding day and we feel honoured to be part of our real brides special day. SILHOUETTES “Finding the right silhouette transforms a girl into the bride she is meant to be.” Maggie Sottero A LINE Can make shorter brides appear taller. Recommended for fuller figures who wish to hide their hips Not necessarily recommended for wide waists. BALLGOWN Suited for medium to tall brides, pear shaped brides, and those who wish to hide fuller hips. Not suited for petite brides as the full skirt may overwhelm their figure. FIT & FLARE Complements an hourglass figure Beautiful on brides with hips The higher the breakpoint, the taller a bride appears. SHEATH Tall, well proportioned thin figure Not suited for a pear shaped figure. WAISTLINES The waistline of a wedding dress is the horizontal seam that connects the bodice to the skirt. DROP A low, horizontal waistline that falls near the level of the upper hips 1-2 in. below the natural waist. Ideal: hourglass figures, taller brides and slimmer frames. Not ideal: shorter, petite brides and an apple figure. EMPIRE A waistline directly under the bust which creates a flowing appearance that is universally flattering. Ideal: most body types especially if disguising larger waists Not Ideal: hourglass figures, doesn’t show off slim waist. NATURAL A waistline that falls at the smallest part of a waist minimising and flattering a longer torso. Ideal: hourglass figures and helps to minimise a long torso. Not ideal: apple body types and a more plus sized figure. BASQUE A waistline that begins just below or at the actual waist with a downward centre to form a ‘V’. Ideal: most body types, accentuates and defines the waist. Not ideal: full midsections, draws attention to the waist. NECKLINES Correctly chosen necklines can elongate a bride’s neck and torso. Sweetheart and scoops are the most universally flattering. Boat necklines follow the line of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders and flatters a smaller busted bride. A jewel neckline is also flattering for a smaller busted bride. The V-neckline dips into the shape of a V and flatters women with average bust sizes. Square necklines follow the bottom shape of a square and can be cut wider toward the shoulders and/or lower for a more daring look. A surplice neckline flatters virtually all brides and features a wrap or diagonal look. SWEETHEART SCOOP V NECK SURPLICE JEWELL BOAT