“I will always strive to be as close to perfection as I possibly can, but I will never be satisfied because perfection doesn’t exist.”

— MK 19.10.20

The story of Martin Key is one of passion, determination, guts and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Martin’s journey began with a fascination for leather and a desire to preserve the age-old traditions of artisanal leather jacket production. When he discovered the last leather jacket factory in Scandinavia, located in Malung, Sweden – a town with over 100 years of legacy in leathercraft, he realized that this was not just an opportunity but a calling to revive a dying trade.

The factory in Malung, established in 1938, had seen generations of skilled seamstresses honing their craft, developing techniques and secrets that were passed down through decades. However, as fast fashion and mass production took over, the factory faced bankcruptcy. Martin stepped in, driven by the vision to save this historical workshop and breathe new life into the art of leatherworking. His mission was clear: to create timeless pieces that embody a blend of tradition, quality, and innovation.

Martin’s dedication to perfection is evident in every aspect of his work. From the very beginning, he insisted on using only the finest materials. Each leather jacket that comes out of his Malung factory is made with premium leather, carefully selected for its texture, durability, and character. The process involves skilled seamstresses, whose hands carry decades of expertise, working meticulously to craft each piece. Their attention to detail ensures that every stitch, seam, and cut reflects the highest standards of high-end fashion.

The journey toward building the Martin Key brand reached a significant milestone with the opening of the flagship store in Stockholm, a place where the vision of modern elegance and timeless style comes to life. The store has become a destination for those who appreciate not just fashion, but artistry, craftsmanship and having a good time.

Recent Collaborations

Martin’s work quickly caught the eye of some of the most prominent figures in the worlds of music, art, motorsports, and fashion. Martin Key’s recent collaborations speak volumes about the versatility and appeal of Martin’s designs:

• Slash for the Oscars 2024: The legendary guitarist, Slash, wore a custom-made Martin Key leather suit for his performance at the Oscars 2024. The outfit, designed with both the rock star’s edgy style and Martin’s refined craftsmanship, became an instant icon, showcasing the power of tailored design and rock-inspired aesthetics.
• Lars Wallin: The collaboration with Lars Wallin, the renowned haute couture designer, further solidified Martin Key’s position in the fashion world. The union of Wallin’s high fashion sensibility and Martin’s mastery in leatherwork resulted in a collection that brought together the best of both worlds—elegance and edginess, tradition and modernity.

The Spirit of Malung in Every Jacket

Through these collaborations and creations, Martin Key has successfully transformed the Malung factory into a place of creativity and craftsmanship. The spirit of the factory lives on in every jacket, where the traditional techniques of the seamstresses meet Martin’s contemporary design philosophy. This fusion of past and present is what makes each Martin Key jacket a true work of art, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Scandinavian leathercraft.

Martin Key’s story is not just about fashion; it’s about preserving a heritage, championing quality, and staying true to the craft. It’s a journey that celebrates the beauty of hand-made products, where every jacket tells a story of passion, history, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

Martin speaks up

Every item has its own story to tell, much like every human. From the very first day you own your key item, these two stories become intertwined into a unique narrative.

For me, black has always been the primary color in everything I wear and the foundation of my collections. Black symbolizes elegance but can also embody a rock’n’roll vibe or a more dressed-up aesthetic. It’s all about the design and choice of materials. In my opinion, black is versatile and suits everyone and everything.

I’ve always lived by the motto ‘Go your own way.’ As a child, my favorite color was blue, and my passion for Martin Key is represented by the red stitches. Passion is something that resonates with me, and red is the color of passion. Everything I do revolves around passion, and without determination and guts, I would never be where I am today. This applies to Martin Key as a brand and to me as a person. Mixing red with blue creates purple, the natural signature color for Martin Key. Purple, along with elegant black and Royal Gold, symbolizes durability, value, and excellence. Together, these colors articulate a distinct language that defines what Martin Key is all about.

My hallmark, the octagon, has been with me since day one, making a powerful statement of eight words – Passion through Determination and Guts is my Key.

Most of the Martin Key items also bear our signature zipper. This is a hallmark that symbolize the paths we take in life that, at times, can be as smooth and effortless as a well-functioning zipper, but that also can be met with obstacles and unexpected turns. Much like a zipper that may get stuck and need replacing, this mirror life’s challenges and adventures and the resilience required to more past them. 

For me, it has always been about what’s inside, and this philosophy is reflected in all my collections. I’m not saying that the inside is more important than the outside, but it is, at the very least, equally significant.