From Fashion to Design with a Splash of Nostalgia:  Meet Sarah “Swhitey” Elizabeth White, a true Charleston Renaissance Artist 

By Mark A Leon

You may have seen her fashion show at Sweatman’s Garden, bought one of her custom made designer hats from Southern Ruetz, admired her mixed media art, saw her on the cat walk at Charleston or New York Fashion Week, but you may not formally know Sarah “Swhitey” Elizabeth White. We are here to rectify that and unveil the curtain to her latest project, a vintage clothing and nostalgia experience at the Southern Ruetz Maker Mall (Located at 128 Meeting Street – Second floor of Southern Ruetz Hat Bar)

Strike a pose; there’s nothing to it….

Designer, model and artist Sarah Elizabeth White has been slowly making waves in the Charleston art and fashion community.  Known as “Swhitey”, Sarah combines new age art design with elements of nostalgic reflection to design her clothing and art compositions.  

This summer, Sarah will be unveiling and immersive interactive fashion and design pop up in the corners of the Southern Ruetz Maker Mall.  

This speakeasy of fashion and design will take you back to a world where New Kids on the Block, Debbie Gibson, Madonna and Spice Girls ruled the world of music and fashion and combine it will a generation of empowerment and pink.

Much like the design of this living exhibit of a shopping experience, the official launch date is clouded with mystery.  While we wait for this highly anticipated launch, let’s learn more about Sarah.

Let’s explore more about Sarah Elizabeth White, aka Swhitey

Sarah Elizabeth White, known artistically as “Swhitey,” is a dynamic Charleston-based designer and model celebrated for her vibrant, maximalist approach to fashion and community engagement. As the creative force behind the brand “Neat-It Thrift,” she curates and revamps vintage clothing—with a special emphasis on ‘90s and Y2K aesthetics—to craft bold, gender-inclusive looks that champion individuality and self-expression.

White’s work extends beyond the runway; she uses fashion shows and collaborative events to spotlight and support local nonprofits, notably raising funds for organizations like I Am Voices, which aids women impacted by human trafficking, sexual violence, and homelessness in South Carolina. 

Her signature diamond logo symbolizes the belief that everyone is a “diamond in the rough” and encourages using unique talents for positive change.

In addition to her design work, White has built a modeling portfolio since 2016, collaborating with photographers, brands, and magazines in Charleston. She is recognized for bringing together local creatives, musicians, and artists to create memorable, impactful experiences that fuse fashion, art, and activism.

Follow Sarah’s art and fashion on Instagram.