The Journey of Xueli Abbing: From Abandonment to the Runway
Xueli Abbing’s life began with a moment that could have defined her by loss alone. Born in China with albinism, she was left outside an orphanage shortly after birth. In many parts of the world, albinism is still surrounded by fear, misinformation, and harmful superstition. Children born with the condition are often viewed as “different,” and in extreme cases, they face social rejection or even violence. For Xueli’s biological parents, fear outweighed acceptance. For the orphanage staff who found her, compassion took over. They named her Xueli, meaning “snow-white beauty,” unknowingly giving her a name that would one day resonate far beyond those walls.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition caused by the body’s inability to produce normal amounts of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This lack of melanin doesn’t only affect appearance—it also comes with serious visual challenges and heightened sensitivity to sunlight. Many people don’t realize that most individuals with albinism are visually impaired, sometimes significantly. In Xueli’s case, her condition was the result of recessive genes carried unknowingly by her parents, a biological reality overshadowed by cultural misunderstanding.
Her life changed dramatically when she was adopted by a loving family in the Netherlands. In a new country and a supportive environment, Xueli was encouraged to embrace who she was rather than hide it. Her parents protected her health, supported her education, and helped her build confidence in a world that often stares before it understands. That foundation would later prove essential.
At just 11 years old, Xueli was discovered by a fashion designer looking to challenge conventional beauty norms. What began as a single opportunity soon turned into an extraordinary career. In 2019, she appeared in Vogue Italia, a milestone that signaled more than personal success—it marked a cultural shift. Her presence on the runway questioned long-held standards and opened doors for greater diversity in fashion.
Now a teenager, Xueli Abbing uses her platform for far more than modeling. She speaks openly about living with low vision, often explaining that she experiences people more through their voices and behavior than their appearance. This perspective has shaped her belief that beauty is rooted in character, not perfection. She is also a vocal advocate for people with albinism worldwide, raising awareness about discrimination and violence that still affect many communities.
By insisting on being recognized as a person first—not a condition—Xueli has transformed her story into one of resilience, representation, and purpose. From abandonment to international runways, her journey stands as a powerful reminder that difference is not a weakness, and visibility can change lives.
