Willow Allen
Willow Allen | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 29, 1999 Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | model, content creator |
| Spouse |
Cale Kindrachuk (m. 2022) |
| Children | 1 |
Willow Allen is a Canadian fashion model and TikToker, from Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
Early life and education
[edit]Allen was born and raised in Inuvik. She attended Briercrest Christian Academy for the last two years of high school, and went on to attend Briercrest College for one semester.[1] While at Briercrest, Allen became a Christian.[1]
She was studying social work at Grant MacEwan University when she was discovered.[2] As of 2022, she was hoping to complete her degree and go on to work with native communities after she graduates.[3]
Career
[edit]Allen was scouted to become a model on social media in 2019 and subsequently signed with Mode Models.[4][5] She has worked with the likes of Canada Goose, Elle Canada, and Louboutin.[6] Being on the cover of Elle Canada was "a major career milestone" that got her started on her modeling career.[7][3] She has worked in Singapore and New York.[4] While in Singapore, she did modelling work for such brands as New Balance, Highsnobiety, Sony, Levi's and Prada.[2]
Allen has also appeared in Canadian singer Tyler Shaw's music video for "When You're Home", which was filmed in Toronto.[4]
In November 2023, Allen appeared in Vogue.[8]
Online presence
[edit]Allen has a following on TikTok of over 690,000;[8] she uses the platform to educate viewers about life in the Canadian Arctic and about her Inuit heritage.[3] In 2022, she was included in a TikTok accelerator program for indigenous creators.[9]
Personal life
[edit]Allen and her husband, Cale Kindrachuk, eloped prior to October 2022,[3] followed by a traditional ceremony in April 2023.[10] The couple live in Saskatchewan.[8]
In July 2023, Allen announced on TikTok that the couple were expecting their first child.[8] Allen struggled with hyperemesis gravidarum during her pregnancy.[8] Her son was born on January 20, 2024.[11]
Awards
[edit]In 2022, Allen won the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards' Fresh Face of the Year Award.[5][12]
Allen was one of eleven recipients of the 2023 Indspire Awards.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Lenko, Timothy. "Willow Allen: From Christian School, to Modelling, to Social Work". www.briercrest.ca. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ a b Scott, Mackenzie (22 April 2019). "Whirlwind year for Inuvialuit model after being discovered on Instagram". CBC North. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
- ^ a b c d Murphy, Aisling (12 October 2022). "'We don't wear heels in the Arctic': How Inuit model Willow Allen uses TikTok woof woof to showcase life in the north". Toronto Star. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ a b c McLeod, Wanda (24 January 2021). "From New York's fashion scene to social work in the North: Inuvialuit model looks homeward". CBC North. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ a b Lalancette, Katherine (13 April 2023). "Inuit Model Willow Allen Is Bringing Visibility to Arctic Communities". The Kit. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ "How These Indigenous Women Are Reclaiming Their Culture". Elle Canada. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ "Meet the 4 Indigenous Women Covering ELLE Canada's February-March Issue". Elle Canada. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Allaire, Christian (17 November 2023). "Model Willow Allen Is Incorporating Inuit Culture Into Her Motherhood Journey". Vogue. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Miskiman, Megan (28 November 2022). "NWT TikTok creators given extra help as their followings grow". cabinradio.ca. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ "Willow & Cale". The Knot. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
- ^ Di Filippo, Elizabeth (23 January 2024). "Inuit model Willow Allen celebrates the birth of her first child: 'The most beautiful gift from God'". ca.style.yahoo.com. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Tessier-Burns, Francis (20 October 2022). "Inuvialuk model wins national award". CKLB Radio. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ Williams·, Ollie (11 May 2023). "Inuvik duo win 2023 Indspire awards". cabinradio.ca. Retrieved 18 October 2023.