The fashion industry mourns the loss of Isak Andic, the entrepreneur and founder of the Mango clothing chain, who tragically died this past Saturday at the age of 71. Andic fell approximately 150 meters during a family outing near the Collbató caves in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona.
Accompanied by his wife and son, Andic slipped on one of the area's trails, leading to his fatal fall. Authorities from the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Catalonian Fire Department confirmed they received the accident notification around 12:39 PM, and the mountain unit of the Mossos recovered his body.
The sudden news has sent shockwaves through both the political and business worlds, given Andic's stature as a pivotal figure in the fashion sector and his significant contributions to the Spanish economy.
Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1953 to a Sephardic Jewish family, Isak Andic relocated to Catalonia at the age of 14. His journey as an entrepreneur began at 17, selling clothing and footwear at local markets, eventually founding Mango in 1984 with the first store opening on Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia.
Thanks to his strategic insight and leadership, Mango grew into Spain's second-largest fashion retailer, trailing only behind Inditex, boasting over 2,700 stores across 115 markets worldwide.
In 2024, Andic was ranked fifth on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest individuals in Spain, with an estimated net worth of 4.5 billion euros. The company, currently pursuing an ambitious expansion plan in markets like the United States, recorded its best first semester in 2024, achieving a record turnover of 1.543 billion euros.
Andic's passing has been met with widespread condolences from political and business leaders. Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, praised Andic's influence on the company, stating, "Isak has been an inspiration to all of us. His strategic vision and leadership have left an indelible mark."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences on social media, acknowledging Andic's role in establishing Mango as a global fashion leader. Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat, highlighted Andic's legacy as a committed leader who elevated Catalonia on the international stage.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Andic played an influential role in several cultural and educational foundations and held positions in institutions like Banco Sabadell and the Institut d’Empresa Familiar.
His passing leaves a deep void in both the business and cultural sectors, solidifying his legacy as one of the great visionaries in international fashion.
Impact of Isak Andic's Legacy and Mango's Future
How did Isak Andic influence the fashion industry?
Isak Andic's strategic vision and leadership played a crucial role in transforming Mango into Spain's second-largest fashion retailer, establishing a significant international presence with over 2,700 stores in 115 markets.
What are some of Mango's recent achievements?
In 2024, Mango reported its best first half-year results with a record turnover of 1.543 billion euros, driven by an ambitious expansion plan targeting markets like the United States.