HAiRtribes.com is the official online store for licensed merchandise inspired by Michael Butlers 1968 Trademark for Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.

Our collection features authentic posters, tees, hoodies, mugs, and accessories with the iconic double-headed logo and themes from the original Broadway production.

Our Story: A Lifelong Journey in Music, Theater, Fashion, Licensing, and Preparedness

Sherwin Ace Ross, founder of HAiRtribes.com and HAiR Licensing, LLC, has forged a remarkable career blending performance, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Born in New York, Sherwin began playing drums at age 13 and toured the tri-state area with his hard rock band TRUX.

In 1971, at age 17, Sherwin joined a jam session with guitarist Jack Starr. They formed a band initially called Cynthia Fever. The group relocated to Paris, France, that same year, where they signed a recording deal, changed their name to California, and toured France extensively. This marked the start of Sherwin’s nine-year residency in Europe as a performer and recording artist.

Sherwin continued as a solo vocal recording artist signed to Barclay Records (1971–1979), touring Europe and recording in English and French. He trained in studio vocals with the renowned Parisian vocal coach Madame Charlot (Annette Charlot, née Boetschi), one of the most sought-after teachers in the French show-business world during the second half of the 20th century. Known simply as “Madame Charlot,” she coached countless stars of French music, theater, and film.

Sherwin also drummed and provided vocals for bands like Trust (an early rock act on CBS Records in France) and Boogaloo Band (Polygram Records), and performed lead vocals and supported tours for acts like Ram Jam.

In 1976, Sherwin was hired by Epic Records to tour the United States as the lead singer for Ram Jam (the hit band behind “Black Betty”), produced by Kasenetz and Katz. He replaced the original singer who was unavailable, fronting the band on a high-energy sales tour to promote the record. Sherwin brought the house down across the U.S., delivering electrifying performances that wowed audiences. After the tour, he returned to France to continue his solo career.

In 1979, following the Iranian Hostage Crisis, it became unsafe for Americans in Paris. Sherwin and Louise Robey (his girlfriend and fiancé at the time) moved to New York City. There, Sherwin pursued further training in the performing arts: He studied acting with legendary teachers Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler, and dance with masters Luigi, Hines, and Hatchet.

Upon returning to NYC, Sherwin and Louise lived in Long Beach, Long Island, right on the ocean. Sherwin often served as Louise’s chauffeur, driving her into Manhattan for meetings with famous fashion photographers and go-sees. Louise was signed to the prestigious Zoli Model Agency, and her modeling career flourished during this time.

It was during this period that Sherwin met Stan Shaffer (a prominent figure in music and photography circles). Stan was dating Reute Butler (Michael Butler’s niece), which laid the groundwork for their collaboration. Through Reute’s connections to the Butler family and their relationships with wealthy investors, they formed the management company Shaffer Butler and Ross (later evolving into Shaffer Ross Butler). The company managed Louise Robey and her British pop band Louise and the Creeps, signed to CBS Records in Paris under the influence of Andy Warhol and Michael Butler. The band explored a ska-punk sound but disbanded before releasing an album.

Sherwin’s formal introduction to Michael Butler occurred in 1983 at a record release party hosted by Stan Shaffer at the Apthorp in New York City. Among the notable guests were Peter Townsend (The Who), Nat Weiss (Beatles’ USA Attorney), Chris Blackwell (Island Records founder), Jimmy Pullis (Trax and JP's), and Janis Dickinson.

Sherwin’s deep immersion in Hair‘s revolutionary spirit came when he starred as Berger (the lead role) in the 1990 national tour produced by Barry and Tanya’s Pink Lace Productions—a U.S. tour celebrating the musical’s enduring legacy around its 20th anniversary era. This experience inspired him to create Hip Hugger Bell Bottoms—stretchy cotton Lycra designs updating the hippie style—and open She’s Got Legs, a boutique in SoHo, New York, serving celebrity clients and expanding to national retailers like Macy’s.

By the 1990s–2000s, Sherwin transitioned into apparel manufacturing and licensing:

•  He led One Clothing (formerly Pandora Casuals) as president, growing it into a major junior fashion brand with global distribution (now linked to Forever 21).

•  He founded Ace Ross Studios in Los Angeles, launching lines like Ace’s Lounge wear (for tweens 10–14) and American Clothing Enterprises (junior/young contemporary apparel), carried in major retailers including Dillard’s, Fred Segal, Bloomingdales, National Jeans, and fine boutiques.

In 2000, Michael Butler approached Sherwin and his designer Melodie Wilson (known for work with Guess Jeans) at Ace Ross Studios on San Pedro Street in downtown Los Angeles. Michael sought their expertise to design wardrobe for a production of Hair he was producing. This collaboration sparked a 22-year partnership, during which Michael entrusted Sherwin with his original Hair trademarks—including the iconic double-headed logo artwork from the 1968 Biltmore Theater production—leading to joint manufacturing of posters and apparel that authentically captured the show’s vibe.

Through Ace Ross Studios, Sherwin sourced and closed high-profile celebrity licensing deals with partners like The Robert Thorne Company:

•  Wendy Williams (lifestyle line, including Adorn by Wendy Williams on HSN).

•  Melissa McCarthy (plus-size fashion).

•  Snooki (apparel and accessories).

•  OmniPeace (humanitarian fashion brand supporting schools in Africa, partnered with manufacturers like Double Zero for MAGIC trade show lines).

In recent years, Sherwin founded Ace Fire Defense (acefiredefense.com) after the 2018 Woolsey Fire’s devastation. As a CERT-certified wildfire preparedness advocate, he leverages his manufacturing expertise to create affordable, professional-grade firefighting equipment for homeowners in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), promoting education and self-reliance.

Today, HAiRtribes.com continues this legacy as Michael Butlers business partner for the past 22 years : All products are officially licensed directly from Michael Butler, with a clear, uninterrupted chain-of-title and no intermediaries. Sherwin’s proven track record—from forming bands in the U.S. and touring Europe, to headlining as Ram Jam’s lead singer, studying with acting/dance legends, managing models and bands in NYC, Hair stardom, global fashion innovation, celebrity licensing, and disaster preparedness—ensures every item honors Hair’s timeless message of peace and love.

Our Commitment

•  Authentic & Direct Licensing: Michael Butlers business partner since 2002 with a written agreement. 

•  Full Transparency: Visible business info, contact details, and policies (returns, privacy, shipping).

•  Quality & Spirit: Premium materials embodying peace, love, and resilience.

Join the tribe—let’s keep the Hair spirit alive! ✌️