Mattel Creations is moving full speed ahead with the Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham collab and coming in hot with the release of its latest offerings of coveted collectibles. An ambitious creative undertaking first unveiled this past October, the partnership seamlessly synergizes the iconography of the Hot Wheels brand with Daniel Arsham’s artistic aptitude to materialize eternal keepsakes for cult car connoisseurs. Now, ditching the training wheels for their second lap, the dynamic duo delivers a three-piece collection featuring two vehicle models accented with memorabilia–and let's just say these are not your kid’s toys.
As cliché as the notion “art imitates life” might be, it’s the driving force that fuels the first treasure within the next installment of the Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham realm. Arsham, a full-fledged automotive arbiter in his own right, added a Porsche 365 Speedster to his car collection and spent two years meticulously restoring it to its barest, time-worn glory. That essence is contrasted by the supercar’s interior in which Arsham pulled inspiration from Japanese culture and the ancient philosophy of Wabi-Sabi (finding beauty within imperfections). Upholstered with indigo-dyed fabrics featuring boro patchwork sashiko-stitched lines, the vehicle’s impressive final form is more than enough to get anyone’s engine revved up–but Arsham isn’t keeping it all to himself. Through this collaboration you too can own your very own Porsche 356 Speedster, scaled down to proportional perfection in true Hot Wheels style.
Dubbed the “Bonsai Speedster,” the reimagined micro model faithfully replicates the welding lines and weathered aesthetic Arsham created, including the vintage “BONSA1” license plate. This iteration also features real riders deep dish wheels and an interior that replicates a one-of-one indigo-dyed Japanese textile design.
Harnessing his knack for restoration but this time around in a figurative sense, Arsham turns his gaze to the "Deora II." First released in 2000, the Deora II was inspired by the 1986 Deora featured in the “Original Sweet 16” line up. Now, the American artist channels the ethos of the southern California surfing car to unveil an elevated take of the Deora II. Coated with Arsham’s patented Bronze color and embellished with a Silkstone material, the model fuses an antique aesthetic symbolic of the vehicle’s historic roots and a contemporary charm that looks to the future.
For the diehard Hot Wheels collectors looking to adorn the walls of their home with works of art that pay homage to the lasting legacy of Hot Wheels, the “Legends Archive Lap 2 Poster” will undoubtedly be the centerpiece/focal point of your collection. The poster reimagines an iconic 1968 illustration by Otto Kuhni through the lens of Arsham–depicting the eroded Deora II and weathered Porsche 356 Bonsai Speedster models in motion on diverging tracks. Measuring in at 24” in height and 36” in width, the artwork showcases Arsham’s design sensibilities and craftsmanship with the utilization of spot varnish at the cars’ crystallization points.
Life in the fast lane isn’t for the faint at heart, and with the latest drop from Mattel Creations in your passenger seat, you’ll run laps around the best of them.
Daniel Arsham will be signing these cars exclusively for American Express Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members and their guest, [on] Fri. Dec. 8 from 12 - 1 PM ET. Click here to learn more
PLAY by American Express Platinum 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 On the beachfront of The Miami Beach EDITION
Discover more from Mattel Creations and their Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham collab at MattelCreations.com
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