Abandoned at Birth, Now on Vogue: How Xueli Abbing Turned Difference Into Strength

Albinism is a rare, inherited condition that affects people of every race and ethnicity. It reduces the body’s production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloring skin, hair, and eyes. As a result, individuals with albinism often have very light features and vision challenges.

In many parts of the world, this difference still leads to misunderstanding, stigma, and even danger.

One girl’s story shows how powerful acceptance and opportunity can be.

Xueli Abbing was born in China with albinism. When her parents saw her pale skin and hair, they made the heartbreaking decision not to bring her home. Just days after birth, she was left at an orphanage.

The staff named her Xueli, meaning “snow white and beautiful.” They cared for her, unaware that her future would stretch far beyond those walls.

Soon after, a loving family from the Netherlands adopted her, giving her a home filled with safety, education, and encouragement. It was the beginning of a life defined not by rejection, but by possibility.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Karen Rowley (@karenrowley72)

Discovered at 11, Heard Around the World

At age 11, Xueli was noticed by a renowned photographer in Hong Kong who was creating a project celebrating diversity. The campaign, titled Perfect Imperfections, featured people whose appearances challenged traditional beauty norms.

Xueli was invited to participate.

“It was an amazing experience,” she later told the BBC. “I didn’t even realize how special it was at first.”

Her images quickly gained attention online. Soon, a London-based photographer began mentoring her and opening doors within the fashion world.

In 2019, Xueli appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia.

“At the time, I didn’t know how important the magazine was,” she recalled. “It took a while to understand why everyone was so excited.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Xueli (@xueli_a)

Turning Visibility Into Purpose

In some regions, harmful myths surround albinism. In extreme cases, people are attacked due to false beliefs about magical properties tied to their bodies. Xueli is painfully aware of this reality.

She considers herself fortunate—not because of fame, but because she survived.

Today, she uses her platform to educate and advocate.

“I want to use modeling to talk about albinism and say it’s a genetic condition, not a curse,” she explains. “It’s better to say ‘a person with albinism’ because ‘albino’ sounds like it defines who you are.”

Because of her visual challenges, Xueli says she listens more closely to people.

“I focus more on voices and what people have to say. Inner beauty matters most to me.”

Her goal is simple and powerful:

“I’m not going to accept that children are harmed because of albinism. I want to change the world.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Xueli (@xueli_a)

A New Definition of Beauty

Xueli Abbing’s journey—from abandonment to international fashion icon—reflects a broader change in how beauty is defined.

Fashion is slowly moving beyond a single ideal. People with differences, disabilities, and unique features are becoming visible. For Xueli, that shift should not be extraordinary.

“It should be normal,” she says.

Her story proves that what once caused rejection can become a source of strength.

Xueli Abbing is not just modeling clothes. She is modeling a future where difference is not feared—but celebrated.