Born with albinism and abandoned as a baby, Xueli Abbing defied the odds to become a Vogue model and advocate for acceptance and diversity in beauty.
Parents play a vital role in giving children love, safety, and guidance. Sadly, Xueli Abbing, born in China with albinism, never received that start in life. Her biological parents thought she looked “too strange” and abandoned her at the door of an orphanage.
The orphanage staff gave her a name full of meaning — Xueli — “Xue” for snow and “Li” for beautiful. It perfectly described her striking appearance.
Living with Albinism
Albinism is a rare genetic condition where the body produces little to no melanin, resulting in very light skin, hair, and eyes. While it makes a person unique, it can also lead to discrimination, stereotypes, and even violence in some parts of the world.
Reflecting on her past, Xueli says, “I’m lucky I was only abandoned.”
A Second Chance
Her life changed when a loving family from the Netherlands adopted her. Surrounded by care and encouragement, she began to flourish. At age 11, a Hong Kong designer invited her to join a campaign called Perfect Imperfections, celebrating diverse forms of beauty. That single opportunity opened the door to a modeling career.
Breaking Stereotypes in Fashion
Some fashion projects typecast models with albinism as angels or ghosts — something Xueli dislikes, as it reinforces narrow views of beauty. But her career shifted when a London photographer treated her like any other professional model. Those photos caught the eye of major publications, and in 2019, she appeared in Vogue Italia — an achievement she didn’t fully realize was so prestigious at the time.
More Than a Model — An Advocate
Now 16, Xueli uses her platform to raise awareness about albinism. She emphasizes that it is “a genetic disorder, not a curse” and encourages the use of “person with albinism” instead of labels like “albino,” which can be dehumanizing.
Her mission is powerful: “I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world.”
From being left at an orphanage to gracing one of fashion’s most elite magazines, Xueli Abbing is redefining beauty, inspiring others, and proving that uniqueness is a strength. Her journey is far from over — and the world is watching.