Table of contents for Winter 2024 in Chic Compass

The existence of the United States Dollar (USD) as the primary reserve currency to the world financial markets has been a subject of discussion and debate among various institutions, groups, and countries for many years. The USD was established as the primary reserve currency after World War II, with the establishment of the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944. The Bretton Woods Conference, held in July of that year, brought together representatives from forty-four Allied nations intending to create a new international monetary system. Under the Bretton Woods Agreement, the USD was chosen as the world's primary reserve currency, and the participating countries worldwide decided to attach their respective currencies to the USD at fixed exchange rates. Additionally, the USD was immediately tied to gold held by the U.S. in reserve…

LIQUID STAR PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGNER: ANNA GUPTA MODELS: RYLEE SPINKS, JAZZIKA KILE, ANNA GUPTA, GAUKHAR KENESBAYEVA, KAITE BOZNER PHOTOGRAPHY: JAIME LIM HAIR & MAKE UP: BEAUTY BY SHERRYO In the kaleidoscope of modern photographic artistry, there exists a luminary whose visionary gaze transcends the confines of conventional imagery, daring to unfurl the tapestries of fashion's grand narrative with a stroke of ingenuity and an unparalleled depth of artistry. To peer through the lens of Jaime Lim is to embark on a transcendent odyssey, where each frame pulsates with the rhythm of timeless elegance and resonates with a fleeting beauty that defines the very essence of today's modern time. The maestro behind the lens emerges as the harbinger of a renaissance, beckoning forth an era where conventional boundaries dissolve, yielding to an…

New Orleans is a special place known for centuries from all corners of the globe for its culture, culinary excellence, and unique history. However, its number one attraction for locals and visitors is The National WWII Museum, an extraordinary place. It celebrates the final building installment of the Liberation Pavilion. Considered hallowed ground by Veterans and their families, thousands of visitors come to learn, pay respect, and remember those considered the “greatest generation.” The Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress…

When I first learned of the Jungle Palace, my mind raced to a magical fantasy place where elegance and animals from Africa co-existed. Delving deeper, it turns out that I was not far off the mark. The home was built in 1954, and in the 1980s, German-born Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn (the dynamic entertainment duo of magical fame) moved into it. The main home was known as the Jungle Palace. In addition to the main house, where Siegfried and Roy resided, there are three smaller guest homes, each having their own pool and a tiger pool with waterfalls. Jungle Palace was Roy's vision of the habitat he wanted to build for the white tigers—the exotic cats used in the magic act of Seigfried & Roy. The two housed horses,…

Here in the Entertainment Capital of the World, we expect “geewhiz extravaganzas” on stage both on and off the Strip. But who are the ingenious creators who dream up and execute these astonishing stage experiences that wow us? Meet one Las Vegan who works in Sin City and all over the planet Axis deBruyn - and discover how one becomes a real “Lord of the Lights.” Chic Compass: How did you get into this business? My father was a musician and a photographer who always claimed one room in the house dedicated to his hobbies. So, in that space as a kid, I helped him develop photos and record and splice tracks for his friends on reel-to-reel machines. When my junior high school teacher asked our class who knew how…

Since 2001, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) has offered basic needs resources, housing, education, employment, health and wellness, youth leadership development, and systemslevel advocacy services and programs to support its mission of eliminating homelessness among youth in Southern Nevada. “We invest in making sure that the young people in our community have an equitable chance at living a life just like many of us get to afford and enjoy,” said Arash Ghafoori, who has served as NPHY's CEO since 2011. “Youth experiencing homelessness happens for very different reasons than any other homeless population. They experience it through no fault of their own and are often thrust into it, unpredictably, without any warning.” From local schools, afterschool programs, churches, and organizations to outreach on a statewide level, Ghafoori said…

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) goes to Hollywood with the recent launch of the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Los Angeles. Launched in grand Hollywood style, the event was attended by top Hollywood and Fil-Am celebrities, actors, and filmmakers. The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), whose ten entries this December will premiere at the MIFF from January 29 to February 2, was represented by its overall chairman, Atty. Romando “Don” Artes, and executive director, Atty. Rochelle “Che” Ona. The actors and filmmakers of the three films from the Philippines that were screened at the launch graced the elegant launch party: Romnick Sarmenta, director Jun Robles Lana, and producer Perci Intalan (“About Us But Not About Us”), Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren (“Here…

Bellagio Resort Las Vegas is synonymous with class. Its refined elegance is known across the globe, as are the man-made lake and glorious fountains that greet its guests. Enter through one of the ornate revolving doors, and you'll be awestruck by “Fiori di Como,” a breathtaking glass sculpture. Comprised of over 2,000 pieces, the masterpiece was created by artist Dale Chihuly. It covers a massive area suspended from the lobby's ceiling. And to the right, beautiful piano melodies from Bellagio's famed “Petrossian Bar and Lounge” fill the air. Music is often an integral part of a resort's atmosphere. Some renowned hotels sell their music collections so you can recreate vacation memories at home. The music is live at the Petrossian Lounge, and the performers who sit at its grand piano…

With the nickname “Rebel Lawyer,” one must be curious to learn more about the man behind the name. Meet Sam Ryan Heidari. After obtaining his Engineering Degree in Material Science, Sam attended the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas, graduating in 2013. Since then, he has remained active in the UNLV Alumni community. It is because of his involvement and sponsorship of the UNLV Rebels as an active supporter and donor that he gained the nickname “The Rebel Lawyer.” And that is not the only reason the term “Rebel” suits Sam. He and his team at Heidari Law Group [“HLG”] have been separating themselves and rebelling against some of the ways other lawyers handle their clients. They expanded their reach within the community when…

L as Vegas has seen a lot of activity in recent months with project openings. New resorts on and off the Strip and the 2023 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix global racing format joined our city streets. In February, we will host the Super Bowl LVIII. Even the Roman numerals reflect its debut in Las Vegas. Notwithstanding, the slow but steady economic rise with rotating cranes across the skyline suggests that we are experiencing a quiet rebirth. Gipsy, the oldest gay nightclub in Las Vegas, is stepping back to her place on the throne. Superlatives like the oldest, most popular history, the 2023 November relaunch solidified the phoenix-like rising in the footprint of the original club. The new Gipsy holds court on the corner of Paradise Road at Naples…