The fashion world is mourning the unexpected loss of Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, who passed away at age 71 following a tragic hiking accident near Barcelona.
On Saturday, during what was meant to be a family outing, Andic slipped and fell approximately 150 meters from a cliff near Montserrat, where he was hiking with his family. According to reports from Spanish media, Andic’s son was among those present at the scene when the accident occurred, triggering emergency services to respond at around 1 PM local time.
Mango CEO Toni Ruiz expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “It is with deep regret we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango. It is up to us … to continue to be the project Isak was ambitious and proud of.” Ruiz emphasized Andic’s lifelong dedication to the company, adding, “He left an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision.”
Isak Andic was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and moved to Spain with his family when he was just 14 years old. Influenced by his entrepreneurial spirit, he entered the fashion industry early by selling T-shirts and later opened his own store, leading to the founding of Mango in 1984, with the first store situated on Barcelona’s famous Passeig de Gràcia.
Under Andic’s guidance, Mango evolved from a single store to one of the largest fast-fashion retailers worldwide, boasting nearly 2,800 stores across 120 markets and achieving remarkable sales of €3.1 billion ($3.39 billion) in 2023. The company has plans to open 500 new stores globally by 2026, highlighting the ambitious growth path Andic had charted for the fashion empire.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took to social media to share his condolences, extolling Andic’s contributions to transforming Mango from a local brand to a global leader, and stating, “All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Salvador Illa, head of Catalonia’s regional government, who acknowledged Andic’s significant role in elevatimg Catalonia’s global image.
Andic's entrepreneurial roots remained deeply intertwined with his life. He was proud of his Turkish heritage, often expressing affection for his homeland. “My roots are in Türkiye. Of course, I feel Turkish,” he had once stated, showcasing his pride during interviews. His commitment to his origins translated even to the aesthetic of Mango stores, each featuring traditional elements like the evil eye bead as homage to his cultural background.
The company’s rapid ascension and popularity can be attributed to Andic's vision of offering stylish, affordable fashion. Over the decades, Mango has managed to position itself among industry giants and compete closely with brands like Zara, leveraging innovative marketing strategies and collaborations with international celebrities.
Despite his vast wealth, estimated at around $4.5 billion, Andic was also recognized for his contributions beyond retail. He invested in arts and culture and was known for fostering community and global connection through his business ventures. He is remembered not only as a business tycoon but also as someone who maintained meaningful connections with his family and his roots.
The accident has left the Mango family and the broader community shocked and saddened. His legacy is well regarded, with many expressing hope to honor his memory by continuing the vision he set forth for Mango. Ruiz and others have voiced their commitment to ensuring Mango carries on the ethos Andic so passionately promoted.
Overall, Isak Andic's unexpected death serves as both a loss and reminder of the visionary spirit necessary to forge extraordinary success. While the company continues to chart its course, it faces the immediate challenge of moving forward without its founding leader.
