Founder of fashion chain Mango dies in cave accident
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Isak Andic, the founder of fashion chain Mango, tragically died in a cave accident near Barcelona at the age of 71 while hiking with his family.
Isak Andic, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of the fashion chain Mango, tragically died in a cave accident on Saturday near Barcelona. The 71-year-old businessman fell while exploring the caves in the Montserrat mountain range, a region known for its deep ravines and caves. Reports indicate that Andic was hiking with his son and other family members when the fatal fall occurred. He reportedly plunged down a 150-meter ravine, leading to an extensive rescue operation. Spanish media, including El Pais, confirmed the incident took place around 1:00 PM local time (12:00 GMT), triggering a response from emergency teams, including a helicopter and a specialized mountain rescue unit. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Andic could not be saved.
Isak Andic, originally from Turkey, co-founded Mango in 1984 with his brother Nahman. They established the brand in Barcelona, and over the years, it expanded to become a global fashion powerhouse, operating nearly 3,000 stores across 120 countries. The brand’s success turned Andic into a prominent figure in the fashion industry. According to Forbes, his net worth was estimated at $4.5 billion (£3.6 billion) at the time of his death.
Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed deep sorrow over Andic’s passing, noting that his legacy would live on through the company’s continued success. Ruiz emphasized that Mango’s mission would remain aligned with the vision Andic had for the brand. “His departure leaves a huge void,” Ruiz said. “But all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is up to us to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also paid tribute to Andic, acknowledging his contributions to the global fashion industry. “All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion,” Sánchez stated.
Catalonia’s president, Salvador Illa Roca, expressed his grief as well, describing Andic as a “committed businessman” who played a key role in promoting the region. “His efforts helped make Catalonia great and projected it to the world,” Illa Roca said, reflecting on Andic’s influence in the region and beyond.
Andic’s roots in Catalonia trace back to the 1960s when he and his family moved to Spain. He had remained involved with Mango throughout his life, serving as a non-executive chairman at the time of his death. Under his leadership, Mango grew into one of the world’s largest fashion chains, with an impressive turnover of €3.1 billion (£2.6 billion) in 2023.
The tragic death of Andic has left the fashion world in shock. His company, Mango, has long been recognized as a direct competitor to Zara, another Spanish fashion giant founded by Amancio Ortega. Andic’s rivalry with Ortega was well-known, as both brands competed in the fast-fashion sector, striving to dominate the global market.
Mango’s popularity surged in the UK in 2011 when British supermodel Kate Moss was chosen as the face of the brand. Her involvement helped elevate Mango’s profile, attracting a broader international audience and solidifying its status as a key player in global fashion.
Andic’s vision was integral to Mango’s global success. He was known for his ability to recognize trends early and rapidly bring them to market, a hallmark of the fast-fashion industry. Under his leadership, the brand became synonymous with stylish yet affordable clothing, offering consumers a wide range of fashion-forward options. His passing marks the end of an era for the company, but his influence is expected to continue shaping its future.
As the fashion industry mourns the loss of one of its most influential figures, Mango is poised to carry forward the legacy of Isak Andic. His impact on both the Catalonian economy and the international fashion scene will be remembered for years to come.
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