Tragic Death of Isak Andic, Founder of Mango Fashion House
Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the renowned Spanish fashion brand Mango, tragically passed away at the age of 71 following an accident while hiking. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, where Andic reportedly slipped from a 150-meter cliff. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident was reported around 1:00 p.m., as confirmed by local police.
Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed profound sorrow over Andic's unexpected death, stating, "Isak was an example to us all. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision and inspiring leadership." Ruiz emphasized that Andic's legacy would continue through the company he built, which currently employs around 16,000 people worldwide.
A Legacy of Fashion and Innovation
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Isak Andic moved to Barcelona with his family at the age of 14. He co-founded Mango in 1984 with his brother Nahman after recognizing a demand for modern clothing in post-Franco Spain. The brand quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of numerous stores across Spain and internationally, with nearly 2,800 locations and 15,500 employees today.
Andic's vision for Mango was to create a strong, recognizable brand that could adapt swiftly to fashion trends while maintaining affordability. The company primarily outsources its production to Turkey and Asia, allowing it to keep costs low while offering stylish clothing to consumers.
Tributes and Remembrance
The news of Andic's passing has reverberated throughout the fashion industry and beyond. Salvador Illa, the head of the Catalan regional government, paid tribute to Andic as a "committed businessman" who significantly contributed to the global recognition of Catalonia. He remarked that Andic leaves behind a "huge void" in both the Catalan and global fashion sectors, highlighting his impact on the industry.
As tributes pour in from colleagues and admirers alike, the Mango family and its employees are left to navigate this difficult time, honoring the memory and achievements of a man who transformed the fashion landscape with his vision and dedication.
