QA - Christena Reinhard, Union Fifth, Founder President

QA - Christena Reinhard, Union Fifth, Founder President QA Christena Reinhard, Union Fifth, Founder President Image Source: Union Fifth is one of the more unusual high end designer fashion companies, in that it is not for profit.  The company’s  founder and president, Christena Reinhard openly admits that she has no sewing or even drawing skills.Christena Reinhard is a ‘shopping for good’ guru, and Union Fifth has been in business since 2014. It has been creating quite a stir among fashionistas looking for accessible high-end designer wear.The simple model that Union Fifth operates by is to raise money for non-profits by selling donated ‘gently worn’ designer clothing on the Union Fifth website.Christena Reinhard recently freed up some time to speak to AGENT about her work with Union Fifth to date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. What made you decide to pursue a career in the fashion industry?I’ve been a fashion girl for as long as I can remember. Alas, my actual sewing skills are non existent and I can’t draw my way out of a paper bag, so Union Fif th indulges my love for fashion and passion for philanthropy.2. What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?Two  things â€" I absolutely love raising money for charity. Knowing that we can sell a Chanel handbag and help cure a disease is incredibly rewarding. But also, honestly, the beautiful clothes that arrive daily, donated by philanthropic fashionistas, is incredible, from Oscar gowns to The Row leather.  I love that these pieces are finding new closets and fashionistas on a budget are finding pieces that they may have only dreamed about. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 3. How would you describe your design style?Ahh… I was meant to be a frontman for  an ’80s band!  I love leather and sequins and tulle! Tutu with a blazer? Check. Leather leggings and a faux fur top?  That’s perfect!4. What do you think are the future fashion trends in your area?I live in Northern California, so life is incredibly casual. I think the Bay Area is always one to take bits and pieces of trends and translate them to our more casual lifestyle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 5. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?Drink Coffee. Lots of coffee.6. What currently is the most effective social media platform for engaging with audience?Its interesting; Facebook was how we started gathering users, but we are really into our Instagram right now. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 7. What item can you not leave the house without,  and why?Really? Just one? I’m going to cheatâ€"my purse ( today I am carrying the Hermes Jypsiere, in black) filled with my iPhone, my asthma inhaler, and my Stilla Fiery red lipstick.10. What screen saver picture is currently on your phone?My dogsâ€"two  Old English Sheep Dogs,  â€œLondon” and  â€œZeppelin”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 11. What advice would you give your younger self starting out in the fashion industry?Be brave, just be cause you don’t know how to do something, doesn’t mean you can’t learn. I’ve learned that it’s best to go find someone who has what you want, and ask them how to get it.12. How can we get our hands on your collection?Come shop with us on Unionandfifth.com!Image Source: Union Fifth