From Abandonment to Runway: Xueli Abbing Redefines Beauty and Representation in Fashion
Born in China with albinism, Xueli Abbing began life under difficult circumstances after being abandoned as an infant. Labeled and stigmatized because of her appearance, she was later given a new name at an orphanage—“Xueli,” meaning “snow” and “beautiful”—a symbolic gesture of dignity in the face of prejudice.
She was eventually adopted by a Dutch family, gaining the stability and care she lacked in her earliest years. Despite this, Xueli continued to encounter social stigma and misunderstanding around albinism, a condition that has often been met with discrimination in many parts of the world.
Her life changed direction at the age of 11 when she was invited to participate in a photo shoot in Hong Kong. That opportunity led to further work in fashion photography, eventually launching her into the international modeling world. She later appeared in a notable editorial feature in Vogue Italia, gaining attention for challenging conventional beauty standards.
Rather than simply stepping into the fashion industry, Xueli has used her platform to speak out about representation and dignity. She advocates against the fetishization and marginalization of people with albinism, emphasizing that they should be seen first as individuals, not defined by medical conditions or stereotypes.
Her work has positioned her as both a model and an advocate, reshaping conversations around inclusion in fashion and media. Through her visibility, she continues to challenge narrow definitions of beauty, promoting a message centered on respect, identity, and acceptance.
