FROM AN ABANDONED BABY TO VOGUE: THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF XUELI ABBING

Xueli Abbing was abandoned as a baby near an orphanage in China. Born with albinism—a genetic condition causing extremely pale skin, hair, and visual impairment—she was likely left behind due to the one-child policy and local superstitions. Yet, she speaks of her biological parents without anger.

At age three, she was adopted by a Dutch mother and moved to the Netherlands. Her adoptive mother kept her name, Xue Li, meaning “beautiful snow,” honoring her unique appearance and heritage. Growing up visually impaired and looking distinct from everyone around her, accepting her identity took time.

Then, modeling entered her life almost by accident. As a teenager, Xueli discovered that the traits making her stand out in daily life became an asset in front of the lens. She went on to collaborate with major photographers and featured in Vogue Italia.

However, Xueli wanted her platform to carry deeper meaning. She began advocating for disability rights and dismantling dangerous myths surrounding albinism worldwide. In 2022, UNESCO appointed her Goodwill Ambassador for the Fight against Racism and Discrimination. She also founded the Open Eyes Foundation to further her mission.

Xueli believes representation in media is vital so that differences eventually stop feeling unusual. The baby left outside an orphanage used the very thing that set her apart to make others feel seen. While she may never know why her biological parents made their choice, she has defined the rest of her story.