The founder of an iconic fashion chain has died suddenly in a tragic ‘accident’ after he ‘plunged from a mountain range while hiking’ despite his son’s best efforts to save him.
Billionaire Isak Andic, mastermind behind the Spanish clothing retailer Mango – one of Europe’s largest fashion groups – died on Saturday.
It is thought that Mr Andic’s son Jonathan had tried to save him, alerting emergency services to the ‘100-metre’ fall, but to no avail.
The Barcelona-based company, which has nearly 2,800 stores worldwide, said in a statement: ‘It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango.’
Its CEO Toni Ruiz continued: ‘Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company.’
The company did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding Mr Andic’s death. This comes as Spanish media had said the 71-year-old died after falling while hiking with several members of his family near Barcelona.
Tributes have already come flooding in for the business mogul, with the country’s politicians among those leading the condolences.
Catalan president Salvador Illa said: ‘Devastated by the loss of Isak Andic, a committed businessman who with his leadership has contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world.
Billionaire Isak Andic, mastermind behind the Spanish clothing retailer Mango – one of Europe’s largest fashion groups – died on Saturday
Pedestrians walk by the entrance of a Mango shop on Passeig de Gracia street in Barcelona on February 28, 2024 (file image)
Isak Andic, Chief Executive of Spanish fashion label Mango, stands next to Spanish Princess Letizia, during her visit to Mango’s factory in Palau-Solita i Plegamans, near Barcelona, April 7, 2011
‘He leaves an indelible mark on the Catalan and global fashion sector. My condolences and those of the entire Government to the family, friends, and the Mango team.’
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in on the tragedy, saying: ‘All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion.’
Spain’s opposition People’s Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo added: ‘I regret the death of Isak Andic, the founder of Mango which is a benchmark in the textile and fashion sector at an international level.
‘My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all the company’s employees.’
Mango traces its origins to 1984, when Andic, who is of Turkish origin, opened his first shop on the Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s famous shopping street, with the help of his older brother Nahman.
It was met with huge success, coming to fruition after Spain had just emerged from a decades-long dictatorship that ended with the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975, with consumers hungry for more modern clothes.
Mango has since consolidated its position as one of the leading international fashion groups, with a major presence in more than 120 markets and 15,500 employees worldwide.
Mr Ruiz concluded: ‘His (Mr Andic’s) legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organization.
Isak Andic and Kate Moss attend the 4th Mango Fashion Awards 2012 Gala at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya on May 30
Isak Andic was friends with the likes of Kate Moss and Terry Richardson. Mango traces its origins to 1984, when Andic, who is of Turkish origin, opened his first shop on the Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s famous shopping street
Isak Andic and Kate Moss attend the ‘4th Mango Fashion Awards’ held at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in 2012
‘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, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak and which we will fulfill, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.
‘In these extremely difficult times we share the pain of the family as if it were our own.’
Mr Andic, who was awarded the Kingdom of Spain Entrepreneurial Career Award in 2024, leaves behind three children who he shares with his divorced wife Neus Raig Tarragó.
Only this month, Forbes had estimated Mr Andic’s net worth at 4.5 billion dollars (£3.56 billion).
Kate Moss was the face of Mango in 2011, boosting the brand’s popularity in the UK with it now having hundreds of stores in more than 100 countries.
And earlier this year Mango announced it was teaming up with former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham for a new collection to mark its 40th anniversary.
Son Jonathan Andic (born 1981) was named in 2012 as his father’s successor.
