Xueli Abbing, a 16-year-old born in China with albinism, was abandoned as a baby because she was considered “different.” She was left at an orphanage, where staff named her Xueli—a name meaning “snow white and beautiful.” Albinism is a genetic condition that causes very light skin, hair, and eyes due to a lack of melanin.

Xueli was later adopted by a loving Dutch family who raised her with care and support. At just 11 years old, she was invited to take part in a fashion project in Hong Kong celebrating “perfect imperfections.” The experience marked the beginning of her modeling journey.

People with albinism often face discrimination and stigma, and in some parts of the world, even violence. Xueli has said she feels fortunate she was “only abandoned.” She also speaks out against the way albino models are often portrayed as angels or ghosts, saying it makes her sad.

Her big breakthrough came when a London-based photographer helped her build confidence and treated her with respect. This led to her appearance in Vogue Italia in 2019. Xueli later said she didn’t initially realize how important the magazine was.

Today, Xueli hopes to change how people view albinism. She wants to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and show that albinism is a genetic condition—not a curse. Through modeling, she aims to promote acceptance and remind the world that true beauty comes from within.