Willow Allen

Canadian model

Cale Kindrachuk
​
(m. 2022)​
Children1

Willow Allen is a Canadian fashion model and TikToker, from Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

Early life and education

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

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

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

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

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

  1. ^ a b Lenko, Timothy. "Willow Allen: From Christian School, to Modelling, to Social Work". www.briercrest.ca. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b Scott, Mackenzie (22 April 2019). "Whirlwind year for Inuvialuit model after being discovered on Instagram". CBC North. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b Lalancette, Katherine (13 April 2023). "Inuit Model Willow Allen Is Bringing Visibility to Arctic Communities". The Kit. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  6. ^ "How These Indigenous Women Are Reclaiming Their Culture". Elle Canada. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Meet the 4 Indigenous Women Covering ELLE Canada's February-March Issue". Elle Canada. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ Miskiman, Megan (28 November 2022). "NWT TikTok creators given extra help as their followings grow". cabinradio.ca. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Willow & Cale". The Knot. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ Tessier-Burns, Francis (20 October 2022). "Inuvialuk model wins national award". CKLB Radio. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  13. ^ Williams·, Ollie (11 May 2023). "Inuvik duo win 2023 Indspire awards". cabinradio.ca. Retrieved 18 October 2023.