|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Edited by: Fern Sidman
The fashion world is mourning the sudden loss of Isak Andic, the founder of the globally renowned fashion retailer Mango, who died on Saturday in a tragic hiking accident in Collbató, Barcelona province. According to a report on the Ynet News website, the 71-year-old entrepreneur fell into a ravine near the Salnitre Caves in Montserrat, a region celebrated for its stunning geological formations and cultural significance.
As Ynet News reported, Andic was hiking on a trail that connects the Salnitre Caves to the Montserrat Monastery, a site of spiritual and historical importance. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes, which served as a source of inspiration for architect Antoni Gaudí, the mastermind behind Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia.
The accident unfolded on a picturesque but challenging path, attracting the attention of rescue teams, including helicopters and firefighters. A local guide told reporters from El País and Ynet News that while they were aware of activity in the area, the severity of the incident and its fatal outcome were not immediately disclosed.
Born in Turkey to a Jewish family, Andic emigrated to Spain in 1969. According to the information provided in the Ynet News report, his entrepreneurial journey began in Barcelona, where he co-founded Mango in 1984 with his brother, Nahman Andic. Starting with a single store, Mango expanded rapidly to become one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands, specializing in stylish and affordable apparel and accessories for women, men, and children.
Today, Mango operates more than 2,600 stores across 115 countries, standing as a formidable competitor to fashion giants like Zara’s parent company, Inditex. At the time of his death, Andic served as Mango’s non-executive chairman and was widely regarded as Catalonia’s wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of €4.5 billion.
Mango CEO Toni Ruiz expressed profound grief over Andic’s passing in a heartfelt statement shared by Ynet News. “We are profoundly saddened by the unexpected loss of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder,” Ruiz said. “Isak was an exemplar to all of us. He devoted his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark through his strategic vision, inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to the values he instilled in our company.”
Ruiz went on to praise Andic’s dual legacy as both a groundbreaking entrepreneur and a compassionate leader. “His legacy reflects not only his extraordinary achievements in building a globally successful business but also his humanity, warmth and care for everyone within the organization,” Ruiz added.
As the Ynet News report highlighted, Andic was not only a business titan but also a passionate outdoorsman and avid hiker. His love for nature and exploration led him to Montserrat, a region he frequently visited and cherished for its beauty. Tragically, this passion for adventure culminated in his untimely death.
The passing of Isak Andic marks the end of an era for Mango and the global fashion industry. His vision transformed Mango from a small Barcelona-based brand into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, Mango became synonymous with accessible fashion that combined timeless style with innovative design.
As the Ynet News report indicated, Andic’s influence extended beyond business. His life story—from his roots in Turkey to becoming a Catalan icon—embodied resilience, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
The loss of Isak Andic leaves a void not only in the corporate world but also in the lives of those who knew him personally. His dedication to his company, his employees, and the broader community ensures his legacy will endure for generations to come.
In the wake of this tragedy, the global fashion community joins Mango employees and Andic’s family in mourning the loss of a visionary whose contributions have left an indelible imprint on the industry.
