Tragic Loss of Isak Andic

MADRID: The fashion world is mourning the loss of Isak Andic, the iconic Istanbul-born founder and owner of the renowned clothing brand Mango, who tragically passed away in a mountain accident at the age of 71 on Saturday, December 14. The unfortunate incident occurred while he was hiking with family in the stunning Montserrat caves near Barcelona, where he slipped and fell from a 150-metre cliff, as reported by Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.

Condolences from the Fashion Industry

His death leaves an irreplaceable void in the fashion industry, and Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed heartfelt condolences, stating, "His departure leaves a huge void 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 was ambitious and proud of."

Andic's Legacy and Contributions

Andic's journey began when he emigrated with his family to Spain's Catalonia region from Turkey in the 1960s. In 1984, he founded Mango, which has since grown into a global fashion empire. He was reportedly worth $4.5 billion according to Forbes at the time of his passing and served as the non-executive chairman of the company.

Throughout his career, Andic was often viewed as a formidable rival to fellow fashion mogul Amancio Ortega, the owner of Inditex, which is recognized as the world's largest fast-fashion retailer. Under Andic's leadership, Mango achieved remarkable financial success, boasting a staggering turnover of 3.1 billion euros in 2023. Notably, the company has embraced the digital age, with a significant 33% of its revenue generated through online sales, and maintains a presence in over 120 international markets.

A Lasting Impact on Fashion

As the world reflects on his remarkable contributions to the fashion industry, Andic's vision and entrepreneurial spirit will undoubtedly live on through Mango, a brand that continues to shape trends globally. The legacy he leaves behind will be remembered not just for its fashion significance, but also for the inspiration Andic provided to countless entrepreneurs and creatives around the world. The entire fashion community will deeply miss this trailblazer.