The fashion world is in shock as Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder of popular fashion brand Mango, fell to his death while hiking in the Montserrat caves near Barcelona, Spain.
According to police, Andic plummeted over 100 meters from a cliff on Saturday, leaving his family and the fashion industry reeling.
A Life of Fashion and Ambition
Andic’s rags-to-riches story began in Istanbul, Turkey, where he was born in 1953. He emigrated to Spain with his family in 1969, and in 1984, he co-founded Mango with his brother Nahman in Barcelona. The brand’s success was meteoric, with Andic’s vision and leadership propelling Mango to become one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, with over 3,000 stores in 120 countries.
A Rival to the Giants
Andic’s net worth was a staggering $4.5 billion, according to Forbes, making him a major player in the fashion industry. His brand was seen as a rival to Amancio Ortega’s Inditex, the owner of Zara and other popular fashion chains.
A Life of Glamour and Philanthropy
Andic was known for his philanthropic efforts and his love of fashion, often rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities like Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson. His commitment to his craft was unwavering, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Tributes Pour In
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his sadness over the news on social media, hailing Andic as a “great entrepreneur and businessman who has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion.” Salvador Illa, the head of the regional government in Catalonia, Spain, praised Andic as “a committed businessman who has contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world.”
A Legacy to Remember
Andic’s death leaves a huge void in the fashion world, but his legacy will live on through Mango, which had a turnover of 3.1 billion euros in 2023, with 33% of its business online and a presence in markets around the world. Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, vowed to ensure that the brand continues to thrive, saying, “It is up to us… to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak was ambitious and proud of.”
Remembering the Original Mango Store
The original Mango store, opened on Barcelona’s famous Passeig de Gràcia in 1984, was a game-changer in the fashion industry. Andic’s vision for modern, affordable fashion resonated with consumers, and the brand’s success was a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
The Fashion World Mourns
As news of Andic’s passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from around the world. The fashion industry has lost a true icon, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.