Blog Action Day: An Interview with the Founder of Worldwide Maniac

Deciding to take part in this year’s Blog Action Day on Climate Change was a no-brainer for us. We’ve long supported environmental issues: When you travel as much as we do, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the world—and to notice the changes in it.

Our post is an interview with Michael Torres, founder of Worldwide Maniac, a company that combines environmental and humanitarian efforts with entertainment and fashion. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael backstage at New York’s Fashion Week.

How would you describe the mission of Worldwide Maniac?
Worldwide Maniac helps restore balance in our earth and climate.

We see fashion and entertainment as yang energy. The environment and humanity is the yin. When you direct chi from the yang towards yin, it flourishes.

In our ideal world, the creative power of the yang inspires the hearts of people towards cultivating the yin at a near unconscious level. Thirty percent of Worldwide Maniac profits go directly back into environmental and humanitarian goal, helping generate new found experiences furthering the cause of consciousness. Furthermore, Worldwide Maniac is dedicated to investing not just profits, but in ensuring that these goals are a part of our complete business approach, and that they also receive a percentage of our creative energies.

For example, we’re working with Richie Rich and Pamela Anderson to produce, manufacture and distribute his line, A*Muse, which is composed of beachwear, printed tees and casual dresses, all of which are animal-friendly and organically produced. By creating a beautiful line, Richie is sharing his heart with the world. That interplay, of creating with positive intent—using recycled materials, nontoxic dyes, organic fabrics, helps restore balance and healing to the earth. (Note: The A*Muse collection was scheduled to be shown during Fashion Week Miami Beach last night. That's Richie and Pamela below at his February 2009 show.)



Why did you start Worldwide Maniac?
We find happiness when we follow what feels good inside of us. Fashion and entertainment were never on my radar, but what feels good to me is helping humanity and our environment I previously worked for the Department of Homeland Security and realized I enjoyed helping others out by making our borders safer.

I’ve realized that fashion and entertainment are platforms to educate and help others. This is an opportunity for helping others and there can be a bigger purpose beyond the parties.

What are some of the projects WWM has worked on?
WWM has built green homes in Mexico that uses freezer panel technology. These energy-efficient homes have thick panels that snap in like a Lego block and can be built in a day for less than $20,000 requireing no electricity (use solar panels and hot water solar stills to heat water).
We are working on obtaining permits to build them in the US for those who have lost their homes due to the financial storm. Do a google on Tent Cities in America and you will get a flavor for what I’m talking about.

That's Michael below handing over the keys for one of the freezer panel homes WWM built in Mexico.



Tell us a little bit about the future direction of WWM?
We are working with the Amalia Foundation which is focused on bringing together children from across the world in the hopes of peace and in support of the oneness movement. The kids are designing “world peace” shirts which we will introduce into a Richie Rich fashion show and eventually its own separate line.

We are also working on two feature films one of which provides a story of redemption and the other a look into 4 guys spiritual journey in the desert (a sherrif, a sniper, a spy and a haircutter named Jorge).

And as mentioned above, we intend to offer the energy efficient homes to those in need sometime in late 2010.

Now on to the fun stuff: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
That’s a tough one. Its like saying whats your favorite color or favorite ice cream. They are so good, its hard to pick. I love visiting Mexico. I truly enjoy Europe. Before the end of the year I will be spending some time in Peru a w friend of mine who is a Shawman down there. We might actually work on a documentary together.

You live in Austin, one of JSG’s top places to vacation. Got a favorite restaurant?
Uchi is my favorite for sushi. Mesa Rosa for Mexican food. And Green Mesquite for Bar-b-que. I’m still on the lookout for my favorite Italian place.

Want to know how you can help out the environment? Check out Blog Action Day '09 Climate Change.

Limited-Edition Keds in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Keds has created a limited-edition Pink Ribbon Champion. 100% of the sales from this shoe will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They cost $40 and are available exclusively at http://www.keds.com/. We all support Breast Cancer research in various ways; walks, donating, simply by loving those who have or lost someone to breast cancer. Here is a cute way to wear your support! Plus, Keds are notoriously comfortable and suitable for every age.

More on Keratin Hair Treatment

We know you guys have tons of questions about the Keratin treatment. What we didn't know is that our very own colorist, Joe Mullen at New York's Blackstones Salon is a pro. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about keratin treatments

What hair types is keratin right for?
The Keratin treatment can be done on ALL hair types.

Let's talk about what you mean by all. Is keratin safe for colored hair? Does it affect the color? Can you have it color and keratin done in the same day? Or do you need to stagger the appointments?
It is perfectly safe to do on color treated hair. As a matter of fact the best time to do it is after a chemical service. The Keratin Complex is not a chemical. It is a Keratin protein which is 88% of what hair is made of. Therefore, if the cuticle of the hair shaft has been open by a chemical process (color) the keratin protein is fused further into the hair shaft giving better, longer lasting results. It also enhances the color and makes it bright and shiny.

Fine hair?
It's awesome for fine hair because it infuses and coats the hair with the protein, which make the hair appear to be more full.

Damaged hair?
It amazing for damaged hair. Unlike the Japanese relaxer that can damage hair further (if not done properly, which most times is not) the Brazilian relaxer repairs the hair by replacing proteins and vitamins that have been taken out by chemical service or sun damage etc. It is essentially like putting hair in hair.

Does it work for African American hair?
I have not personally tried it on African American hair. But I would assume that it will because the hair is the same. The only difference is that it will not take out the "kinky curl", but it will soften and make it easy to blow dry.

For women who have very wavy or curly hair, how long until the curl/wave returns?
After the treatment the hair can not be wet or washed for three days. During this time the hair will be absolutely straight because the Keratin is infused into the hair with an iron. When the hair is washed after three days, with a SODIUM CHLORIDE FREE shampoo (very important), the natural texture will come back without the frizz and the curl will be much loser.

The great thing about this is that it gives the client the versatility to wear the hair with a more beautiful texture but also allows them to straighten it with the greatest of ease. Most clients report maintenance time to be greatly reduced and the texture of the hair to be amazing. My clients tell me this has changed their lives!

From what we understand, if your hair is straight and frizzy, it will be straight. If it's wavy it will be straight for the first few weeks. If you have serious curls, it may go wavy after a few weeks?
Remember, this is not a STRAIGHTENER. It eliminates frizz and softens the curl to make it more manageable. Clients who have straight frizzy texture will get a more smooth straight result. Whereas, clients with serious curl will have a frizz free softer curl. The curls are usually reduced by up to 30% depending on the client. The Keratin lasts for about 3 to 5 months fading as the hair grows out so there is NO demarcation line. The more damaged the clients hair the straighter the result and the longer it will last.

What are some of your clients biggest concerns?
Clients are usually concerned with the Formaldehyde content. There are three strengths that I know of: Formaldehyde free, 0.02% and 0.04% content. After extensive research I have found that these levels are well below that which is produced in our bodies naturally and that which you would find in ordinary cleaning products. Furthermore, the formaldehyde is produced in the steam that occurs during the blow drying and ironing. Once that is over, the levels are much less. These products are FDA approved and proven to safe by OSHA.

Let us know if you have any more questions for Joe!

Read more on our own experience with the Keratin treatment, more keratin Q&A's and more before and after photos of the keratin treatment.

Barbie Has Cankles?

Our jaw dropped when we read in Monday's WWD that shoe designer Christian Louboutin was redesigning Barbie—she of the 39-21-33 figure—because, as his spokesperson says, "He found her ankles were too fat.” While we might covet the mini Louboutin boxes for the shoes that reportedly come with the trimmer Barbie, we definitely won't be buying this doll for any of the girls in our life. Louboutin should stick to designing shoes—and champagne glasses for variety.

Couples Retreat

This weekend's biggest movie was Couples Retreat starring Vince Vaughn, Kristin Davis and Jason Bateman among others. While we'd go see anything Vince Vaughn does, the star of this movie is the St. Regis Bora Bora. The St. Regis offers overwater villas, gorgeous beaches, and clear blue water. We'd also like to visit the 13,000 sq. foot Miri Miri Spa for the Polynesian Taurumi Massage.

We've heard mixed reviews of Bora Bora: our honeymooner friends loved it, while others have said there's not much to do there. We'll hold out judgement until we have a chance to see it for ourselves.