The world of collectible cars just got a lot more exciting with the electrifying collaboration between the go-to destination for toy collectors in Mattel Creations and the surreal and enigmatic mind of artist Daniel Arsham.
Designed for high-end art admirers and die-hard car enthusiasts alike, the imaginative collection bridges the world of fine art with childhood nostalgia, creating a one-of-a-kind capsule that touches various groups within culture.
"Mattel Creations is bringing together two Legends – Hot Wheels and Daniel Arsham, to blur the lines between toys and art by curating a one-of-a-kind collection," says Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel. "Over the two-year collaboration, it was a unique design challenge to bring Daniel's iconic aesthetic to Hot Wheels scale, and the result is something we believe both Arsham and Hot Wheels fans will love."
Renowned for his explorations in fictional archaeology, Arsham has imagined a world that turns evocative characters and imagery into futuristic relics, generating a sense of comfort and intrigue by tapping into core memories–– he is the only person to uncover a petrified Pikachu after all.
As an avid automotive fanatic, Arsham joined forces with Mattel Creations to bring to life a vision that immortalizes the quintessential toy car brand.
Set to release in a four-part drop, aptly named "laps" for this racing-themed partnership, the new Daniel Arsham x Hot Wheels collection takes an experimental approach to reimagine eight classic Hot Wheels models and accessories into an astonishing lineup of crystalized, eroded collectible artifacts.
With Lap 1 releasing October 27, the multi-layered capsule features strikingly redefined versions of beloved classics from the Hot Wheels archive and Arsham's personal collection, utilizing Silkstone die-casts to create the specialized model cars–– a process employed exclusively for this project.
"Mattel Creations developed creative ways to deliver my vision by thinking outside of the box and experimenting with new materials and processes," shares Arsham when discussing the collab. "This is the first time Silkstone has been used on a Hot Wheels model and my first time working with this material, making it a historic moment for both of us."
Kicking off the collab, Mattel Creations is hosting a public pop-up store, running from Saturday, October 21, to Sunday, October 22, in New York City, where guests will have the opportunity to purchase products before Lap 1's official release date. Arsham himself will be present on Saturday between 12 and 1:00 p.m. to interact with fans, answer questions, and sign any memorabilia.
Already with so much hype surrounding the project, the new Daniel Arsham x Hot Wheels collection promises even more surprises for fans and collectors, offering an updated twist on timeless toys.
Learn more at creations.mattel.com.
