Isak Andic, Founder of Fashion Chain Mango, Dies in Caving Accident

Isak Andic, the visionary behind the popular fashion retailer Mango, has passed away at the age of 71 due to a hiking accident in the Spanish mountains, leaving behind a legacy in the global fashion industry.

Isak Andic, the visionary entrepreneur who founded the renowned fashion chain Mango, tragically lost his life on Saturday while exploring caves in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona. According to reports from Spanish media outlets, Andic fell approximately 150 meters into a ravine during his hike, accompanied by his son and other family members, prompting immediate emergency intervention.

This unfortunate incident took place around noon local time, leading to a swift response that included a helicopter and a specialized mountain unit. Andic, who was born in Turkey but moved to Catalonia in the 1960s, co-founded Mango with his brother, Nahman, in 1984. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded significantly, boasting nearly 3,000 stores across 120 countries, and achieving a remarkable turnover of €3.1 billion (£2.6 billion) in 2023.

Mango's current CEO, Toni Ruiz, reflected on Andic's profound impact on the company, stating: "His departure leaves a huge void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also paid tribute to Andic, acknowledging his business acumen and contributions that have elevated Spain’s fashion industry on a global scale.

Andic was well-known for his competitive rivalry with Zara's founder, Amancio Ortega, both being titans of the Spanish fashion market. The brand gained notable traction in the UK after British supermodel Kate Moss was unveiled as the face of Mango in 2011. The news of Andic's death has sent ripples of sadness through the business and fashion communities alike, as many remember him for his pivotal role in turning Mango into a leading fashion name worldwide.