Yeliz Çiçek
Meet our latest Mesure Muse: Yeliz Çiçek, former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Netherlands and now consultant, speaker, and founder of FI Business Academy.
With over a decade of experience shaping global fashion media, Yeliz has become a defining voice in the industry. As former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Netherlands, she brought inclusive storytelling and bold new narratives to the forefront. Today, she continues to inspire as a consultant, speaker, and founder of FI Business Academy, where she empowers women to step into visibility and own their space with confidence.
Yeliz is photographed here in her custom-made Mesure suit in light grey 100% wool, a double-breasted style with pleated trousers, paired with a lightweight merino wool knit; a symbol of presence, power, and refinement, reflecting the same values that guide her work and life.
What does female empowerment mean to you in both your personal and professional life?
Female empowerment has been central to my life and career. Personally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without women who opened doors for me and gave me opportunities. That made me realize how powerful it can be when someone supports you, and it gave me an intrinsic motivation to pass that on. Professionally, even as a fashion journalist and later as editor-in-chief at Vogue, I naturally gravitated towards spotlighting women – interviewing female designers, seeking out female founders, and championing their work. Empowerment became a red thread through everything I do.
You founded FI Business Academy, a platform designed to help women scale their dreams and businesses through masterclasses, podcasts, and live talks. What inspired you to create this?
It started during the pandemic, when so many female entrepreneurs around me were struggling. Some had invested in pop-ups that suddenly had to close, others had all their money tied up in stock. I decided to curate female-founded brands and asked influencers and media to support them with free exposure. What began as a small gesture quickly grew into a community.
Later, while at Vogue, I paused the project, but the demand never went away. When I stepped down, I relaunched it as FI Business Academy: a platform for women with podcasts, masterclasses, and a newsletter that now reaches over 10,000 readers. The mission has always been the same: to share knowledge, inspire, and create access. It’s not just about business for me; it’s my life’s project, a community where women can grow together.
My greatest dream for FI Business is that, alongside sharing knowledge, we will one day also be able to provide funding for female founders. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for women in business, and I want FI to be part of changing that reality.
For women who might not naturally feel empowered in their clothing, how can they use fashion as a way to step into their confidence?
People often underestimate the power of fashion. It’s not superficial; it’s a language. Just like you’d prepare a pitch or a presentation, clothing can amplify your message. If you want to feel like an empowered businesswoman, put on a sharp suit, look in the mirror, and tell yourself: I am her. That small shift can change how you carry yourself. Fashion isn’t just about how others see you, it’s also about how you see yourself.
You’re known for wearing suits, what first drew you to them, and what do you look for in a suit that makes it feel like you?
A good suit is the easiest, most powerful choice. You put it on and you’re instantly ready. For me, suits represent strength and style. I especially love double-breasted cuts; they’re chic, stylish, and a little more fashion-forward, which fits the world I work in. The right suit carries both elegance and authority, and that’s why it has become my go-to.
What does made-to-measure mean to you?
Made-to-measure elevates everything. When a suit is created specifically for you, it doesn’t just fit better physically, it makes you feel more confident, more at ease. On stage, in a meeting, anywhere. It empowers you. For me as a fashion journalist at heart, it’s also about craftsmanship: seeing and experiencing the process up close makes the piece even more meaningful.
Can you walk us through your choice for your Mesure piece?
I chose a light grey double-breasted suit. Grey feels timeless, elegant, and a softer alternative to black, perfect for autumn and winter. Double-breasted cuts give a strong silhouette, which I love, and for me it’s also a statement: it balances professionalism with a fashion edge. It’s a piece that feels powerful, stylish, and very much like me.
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