GET TO KNOW WILLOW ALLEN

Life up North and her Fashion Career

Willow is a woman born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. In 2019, she was discovered by her modeling agency and started her career as a model. In this short interview, she talks about her Inuvialuit culture and her journey.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOUR CHILDHOOD IN AN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY INFLUENCED THE PERSON THAT YOU ARE TODAY?

My childhood in my Indigenous community influenced the person I am today because of the things I value and the way I carry out my life. I value family and community and my Inuvialuit culture and way of life, and I do my best to live my life passing on knowledge of Inuvialuit teachings and culture. I see the beauty and importance of Inuvialuit people and culture and I hope that can help encourage others to appreciate where they come from.

DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE AN INTEREST IN FASHION AND MODELING?

Growing up, I never had an interest in fashion and modeling, they were always foreign things to me in the Arctic. Fashion to us was traditional clothes made by people in my community, or big snow suits and goggles for traveling. Not fashion brands like the ones I’ve come to know in the last four years. Although it’s very different then back home, I am so grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that have made my family and community so proud of me.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE VISITING UP NORTH FOR THE FIRST TIME?

If you ever plan on visiting up North, I recommend bringing lots of warm clothes, reaching out to local tourism companies that are owned by local Indigenous people, and taking in as much of the culture and landscape as possible. But most of all, be respectful.

FAVOURITE SEASON?

My favourite season is springtime because the sun goes down around midnight, people in my community start geese hunting and spend lots of time on the land, and we have the muskrat jamboree where surrounding communities come together to celebrate the change in weather with traditional games and activities.

Shop Willow’s look: Willow is wearing the Blundstone 2240 lug sole chelsea boots in black.