From Abandoned at Birth to Vogue Cover Star: The Inspiring Journey of Xueli Abbing
Born in China with albinism, a rare genetic condition affecting pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes, Xueli Abbing was abandoned by her biological parents just days after birth.
Her unique appearance led her to an orphanage, where staff gave her the name Xueli—meaning “beautiful snow” in Chinese.
But fate had something greater in store.
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She was soon adopted by a loving family in the Netherlands, where she was embraced not for how she looked, but for who she was.
At age 11, her life changed forever.
A renowned photographer invited Xueli to take part in a campaign celebrating beauty in all its forms, titled “Perfect Imperfections.”
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From there, her story went viral—capturing the hearts of people across the globe.
Xueli’s striking appearance and powerful presence led her to be featured in none other than Vogue Italia, breaking barriers and redefining beauty standards around the world.
“I want to use modeling to raise awareness about albinism,” Xueli says.
“It’s not a curse—it’s a genetic condition. The way to talk about it is to say, ‘a person with albinism,’ because it doesn’t define who we are.”
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In many parts of the world, individuals with albinism still face harsh discrimination—and even violence. Xueli is determined to change that.
Now 16, she’s not only a model—she’s a voice for inclusion, courage, and hope.
“I’m not going to accept that children are being harmed because of their albinism. I want to change the world.”
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Her journey reminds us all that our differences are our strength—and that beauty comes in every shade, shape, and story.
👉 Share this inspiring story with your friends and help raise awareness. Let’s make the world a kinder, more inclusive place.
