Nostalgia and imagination were key themes present during the exclusive Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham event hosted by Mattel Creations. Located on 45 Grand St. in the heart of Soho at an appropriately themed welding shop turned event space, Mattel Creations offered an inside look into the dynamic, multi-layered collaboration between the innovative artist and the iconic toy brand.
As the select group of VIP guests that included the artist himself, close collaborator and friend of Arsham, Greg Anagnostopoulos, and social media tastemaker Lil Jupiter began to file into the immersive space, ambient dance music courtesy of DJ Sebastian Maria permeated the venue, setting the tone for what would be a gratifying night of intentional conversation and deserved celebration.
Inside the space, Mattel Creations welcomed attendees into the thoughtful and evocative world of Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham. As a collaboration that sees two legends in their respective fields joining forces to create timeless works, the artfully curated series blends the borders between fine art and whimsical play.
Models, mockups, and sketches from the new collection decorated the venue, along with a larger-than-life Hot Wheels racetrack, featured in the signature Arsham green, where guests could race custom Rodger Dodger, Twin Mill, and Deora II Hot Wheels models down three thrilling loops. A miniature Hot Wheels museum was also displayed, featuring the original series of die-cast model cars dubbed “The Sweet 16.”
As one part art exhibition, one part creative manifestation, the Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham event showcased the classic toy brand’s willingness to push boundaries with its latest collab, joining forces with one of the most renowned modern creative minds to manifest a unique vision that honors a timeless icon while simultaneously taking it to new heights.
Among those in attendance for the celebratory occasion was Bruce Pascal, a Hot Wheels historian and owner of one of the world's most curated collections of iconic toy cars. Boasting a custom sport coat covered in an all-over Hot Wheels print, Pascal sat down with us to discuss the new Hot Wheels x Arsham collaboration and his deep love for the timeless toy brand.
Who are you?
My name is Bruce Pascal, and I am a collector and a historian of Hot Wheels.
I have the most curated historical collection related to the early days of the iconic toy. I own several of the original blueprints, prototypes, wood models, patents, notes, and artwork used to make some of the first cars.
What's your connection to Hot Wheels?
In 1968, when I was seven, the greatest toy in the history of the world came out: Hot Wheels. I would always race them down the track and play with my friends, but I put my little collection away in a box when I was about 10 or 11.
Then, in 1999, my mom gave me that box back, and at that time, I was collecting real cars. But one day, I thought, "Man, this is expensive; I can just mail these little toy cars back and forth. They're fun, and I can get my satisfaction collecting cars."
Now, 7,000 plus cars and a Hot Wheels museum later, it's turned into a crazy obsession.
Why is this toy so special to you? Why does it deserve to be dubbed “the greatest toy ever created”?
First of all, how many toys have survived 55 years? There's nothing like it. Number two, I love automobiles, and Hot Wheels, at its core, is a type of automobile.
I love the artwork, the playability, and the displayability of them. There's such a history of the company that is fascinating, and it just connects with me.
What makes Hot Wheels so iconic?
You can find them at stores for a dollar. It's affordable, it's addictive. And let me tell you, if you get a kid crying one day, give them a Hot Wheels car in a package and watch how they stop crying.
You give an adult like me a toy car, I'm no longer crying either. I'm smiling. It's amazing.
What are your thoughts on the new Hot Wheels x Arsham collaboration?
I think he did some fantastic things. He took the iconic Rally Case and made it into something wholly his own. He also introduced this really cool Arsham lime green color into the Hot Wheels universe. He’s pushing the limits.
What’s your favorite Hot Wheels model and why?
Oh, it has to be the pink Volkswagen Bus that I own because it's the rarest Hot Wheels ever created. They initially made it in 1969 as this tall and skinny until they realized that it would fall off the track when you tried to race it.
So, only 50 of the original prototypes are in circulation, two in pink, and I own the best one.
Learn more about the new Hot Wheels x Arsham collab at creations.mattel.com.
