"la classe non è acqua"

illume's full service lamp shop, the last in NYC, led by master electrician and all-around-problem solver is the ever-charming and handsome Luca Allegra, whose mantra all along has been “la classe non è acqua” which (not easily) translates to “the upper class doesn’t just drink water” has been Ron’s "right and left hand man" at illume now for over 12 years.  SIG Gian Luca Allegra, born in Milano Italy and having had apprenteships with the famed Louis Vuitton and the Larusmiani-Lorenzi Boutique in the plaza Duomo di Milano, brings to illume his knowledge of understanding not found in most retail boutiques today.  He’s always charming and ready to help repair, restore, create and wire any customer’s treasure.   His solutions for you include rewiring, cleaning, and conversion/restoration from European to American.  He has garnered and earned the well established reputation for the expert who takes pride in the repair and restoration of your valued lighting.  He provides common sense solutions and his keen knowledge is in high demand with those who want their heirloom and investment pieces to be handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.  All Luca’s effort is completed within his work shop.  He asks for an appointment to meet and discuss in person at the time you drop off your item for his consideration.  His typical turnaround time is less than a week and some repairs because he’s so knowledgeable and efficient, your lamp may be able to be repaired while you wait.  

While his passion is for all things antiques and electric, his newfound passion is for motocycles and Italian cars.  He takes great pride in his Ducati Scrambler and his Triumph Bonneville and together, he and his wife Melanie can be seen riding their Vespa along the streets and avenues of our fair city.  Melanie, an artist and commercial/residential interior designer and sculptress, leads the visual effort at the world famous Bergdorf-Goodman.  She too has a passion for antiques and motorcycles but most favors her collections of fashion handbags and shoes.   Together they have two sons London “Oliver" and Trevi “Max”.  Both boys share their parents creativity and enjoy the time they spend together.    

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