the Fja-Oeyen story
"... where four generations of passion, craftsmanship, and an unwavering belief in superior quality come together. A story woven into the fabric of time, beginning in the 1930s as a modest tailor shop and growing into a renowned workshop for handmade down duvets and bed linen. Discover the journey that has shaped Fja-Oeyen, from a tailor in Mol to the masters of your perfect night's sleep."
1930s:
The Origin: A Family of Textile Pioneers
In the 1930s, the Oeyen brothers laid the foundations of the family business. What began as a small tailor shop, driven by a pure passion for textiles, soon grew to become a respected supplier to other tailors as well. This was the very beginning of a tradition of craftsmanship that continues to this day.
1940- 1945:
The War Years: Courage and Resilience
The Second World War brought severe trials. Great-grandfather Albert was forced to work as a tailor in Germany. An unforgettable story that grandfather Gust Oeyen often told. How, as a little boy, in protest, he kicked the shins of the soldiers who took his father away. Unimpressed, they threw him a comforting caramel. A small act of resistance, a memory that has lingered for generations.
A New Vision: The Ultimate Down Duvet
After the war, Albert returned to a changed world and a defunct tailor shop. But in those dark nights, under his heavy woolen blanket, a revolutionary idea was born. Inspired by the first, still imperfect down duvets he saw in Germany, he knew: "This can be better. Every night's sleep deserves pure perfection."
1950s:
Fja-Oeyen - A Name, a Promise
Our great-grandfather, Albert Oeyen, took the helm and moved the workshop to Asstraat 2 in Mol. With the name FJA Oeyen – his initials Frans Josef Albert – he gave not only his name but also his personal commitment to quality. This marked the official start of the brand that would become synonymous with a sublime night's sleep.
5. The Birth of the Down Duvet: Uncompromising Quality
In the 1950s, with all his savings, Albert went to the international textile fair in Frankfurt. His mission was clear: "I only want the best." With his charm from Mol and his determination, he convinced suppliers and returned with the finest down. With his tailor's hand, he drew the patterns, perfected the casing, and filled the very first, superior FJA Oeyen down duvet.
1964:
Fairs and Shows – The Story of Fja-Oeyen Spreads
By participating in trade fairs throughout Flanders, Fja-Oeyen gradually became a household name. From intimate local shows to larger industry events, every moment offered the chance to showcase the fineness of the down duvets and to let the brand's refinement speak for itself. Thus, the name Fja-Oeyen, carried by quality and an eye for detail, grew into a trusted presence in Flemish households.
1975 - 2000:
Generation after Generation - A Passion That Endures
As the family grew, so did the brand – hand in hand, generation after generation. The second and third generations each brought their own energy and ideas, further shaping the story that Albert Oeyen once began.
2008:
Antwerp – Daring in Hard Times
In the midst of the crisis years, Piet Oeyen (3rd generation) opened a first boutique in Antwerp, the fashion city. While many saw a bleak future, he chose the city that always remained in motion. Modest in size, but grand in meaning. It became a place that not only displayed products but also radiated confidence and hope in the midst of uncertain times.
Present and Future:
Today and Tomorrow: The Oeyen Feeling
The passion and dedication of the first three generations are the driving force behind the fourth generation of Oeyen. It is their responsibility and privilege to uphold this family tradition.
"We don't just create down duvets and bed linen; we offer the 'Oeyen feeling' – a promise of pure warmth, relaxation, and lifelong, precious memories, so that you can 'sleep on both ears' every night."