From Rejection to Runway: How a Girl Abandoned for Her Looks Became a Vogue Model

Born in China 16 years ago, Xueli Abbing’s life began under heartbreaking circumstances. Diagnosed with albinism, a rare genetic condition that reduces melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, she was abandoned by her parents at birth for looking “too different.” But today, Xueli is challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be beautiful, gracing the pages of Vogue and using her platform to raise awareness about albinism.

The Stigma Surrounding Albinism

Albinism, which occurs across all races and ethnicities, often subjects those with the condition to misunderstanding and prejudice. In some parts of the world, harmful myths persist, with people with albinism even facing physical harm. For Xueli, her abandonment at an orphanage shortly after birth was a reflection of the stigma surrounding her condition.

The staff at the orphanage named her Xueli, meaning “snow white and beautiful.” Little did they know, this name would foreshadow her extraordinary journey ahead.

A New Beginning in the Netherlands

Fate intervened when a loving family from the Netherlands adopted Xueli, offering her the care and opportunities every child deserves. Growing up in an environment filled with love and encouragement, Xueli flourished despite the challenges associated with her condition, including visual impairment.

At age 11, Xueli’s life took an unexpected turn when a renowned Hong Kong photographer invited her to participate in a campaign called “Perfect Imperfections.” The campaign celebrated people with unique traits, and Xueli’s involvement became her first step into the world of modeling.

A Star is Born: From Social Media to Vogue

The photographs from the campaign garnered attention on social media, eventually catching the eye of a London-based photographer. This connection led Xueli to one of her most significant achievements: appearing on the cover of Vogue Italia in June 2019.

“At the time, I didn’t realize how important Vogue was,” Xueli admitted in an interview. “It took me a while to understand why people were so excited about it.” Despite her initial lack of awareness, this milestone marked a turning point in her career, solidifying her position as a model breaking barriers in the fashion industry.

Redefining Beauty in the Fashion World

Xueli is part of a growing movement to diversify representation in media and fashion. While traditional standards still dominate, the inclusion of models with disabilities and unique traits is gaining momentum. “There are still models who are like eight foot two and skinny, but now people with disabilities or differences are featured more in the media,” Xueli observed. “This is great – but it should be normal.”

Her visual impairment, a result of albinism, also shapes her perspective. “Maybe because I cannot see everything properly, I focus more on people’s voices and what they have to say. Inner beauty is more important to me,” she shared.

Advocacy Through Modeling

For Xueli, modeling is not just a career but a platform for change. She is committed to raising awareness about albinism and challenging the misconceptions that surround it. “I want to use modeling to talk about albinism and say it’s a genetic disorder, not a curse,” she explained. Xueli emphasizes the importance of language, urging people to say “a person with albinism” rather than “an albino,” which can feel reductive.

Her activism extends beyond words. Xueli passionately denounces the violence and discrimination faced by people with albinism in certain parts of the world. “I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world,” she declared.

An Inspiration to the World

Xueli’s journey from being abandoned at birth to becoming a model featured in one of the world’s most prestigious magazines is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of embracing one’s uniqueness. Her story serves as a reminder that beauty comes in many forms and that our differences make the world a richer, more colorful place.

As she continues to inspire others, Xueli remains committed to her mission of spreading awareness and compassion. “The world needs to learn to see people for who they are, not just how they look,” she said.

Xueli’s incredible journey shows us that our struggles do not define us. Instead, it is our determination and kindness that shape our legacy. Her story is a powerful example of how one person can challenge societal norms and pave the way for a more inclusive future.