Accidental Death of a Fashion Icon
Isak Andic, the visionary behind Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion conglomerates, tragically passed away on Saturday following an accident while hiking near Barcelona. At the age of 71, Andic was with family members when he fell during the excursion, according to Spanish media reports.
Tributes from Mango Leadership
Toni Ruiz, CEO of Mango, expressed profound sadness in a statement, acknowledging Andic’s monumental contributions to the company. “Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership, and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company,” Ruiz remarked.
From Istanbul to Fashion Empire
Born in 1953 in Istanbul, Andic moved to Catalonia, Spain, at 14, where he later launched Mango. His first store on Barcelona’s prestigious Paseo de Gracia in 1984, opened with his brother Nahman, marked the beginning of a fashion revolution in a Spain eager for fresh, modern styles post-Franco dictatorship. “He saw that we needed colour, style,” recalled Cesar de Vicente, Mango’s global retail director, in a recent interview.
Mango’s Global Expansion
Andic’s foresight led to the rapid expansion of Mango, initially within Spain and then across Europe and beyond, establishing a presence in over 120 markets with revenues reaching 3.1 billion euros in 2023. His strategy was to maintain a single brand identity, which strengthened Mango’s market presence.
A Legacy of Leadership and Humanity
Despite his success, Andic was known for his media shyness, yet his influence in the fashion industry was undeniable. With a family net worth estimated at $4.5 billion by Forbes, Andic was not only a businessman but a figure of human quality, according to Ruiz, who noted that Andic’s departure leaves a significant void.
Catalonia Mourns a Visionary
Salvador Illa, head of the regional government of Catalonia, paid tribute to Andic, describing him as “a committed businessman who, with his leadership, has contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world.” Illa added that Andic’s impact on the fashion sector both in Catalonia and globally would be long-lasting, offering his condolences to Andic’s family and the Mango community.
