Daniel Arsham, a renowned artist passionate about eroded versions of contemporary objects, recently partnered with Mattel Creations to unveil a selection of Hot Wheels 1:64-scale models and accessories. These vehicles are being released across four drops, titled “Laps.”
Lap One debuted on Mattel Creations on Oct. 27 with crystalized eroded versions of Hot Wheels’ famous Rodger Dodger and a Porsche 930 Turbo. Now, Lap Two will be released in limited quantities on Dec. 8. The new items include a crystalized and eroded version of the Deora II, which is one of the Hot Wheels “Original Sweet 16” castings released in 1968, and a replica of Arsham’s personal Porsche 356 Speedster, which replicates the welding lines and weathered aesthetic Arsham has created.
Deora II | Source: Mattel Creations
Porsche 356 Speedster | Source: Mattel Creations
The Deora II is influenced by southern California surfing car culture. Inspired by a sample of patinated bronze from Arsham’s foundry, the car’s material enables the fusion of antique and contemporary aesthetics.
The Porsche 356 Speedster is deeply influenced by Japanese culture and the concept of wabi-sabi, or finding beauty in transience and imperfection. Arsham upholstered the vehicle with indigo-dyed fabrics. The replica version includes the vintage “BONSA1” license plate.
This two-year collaborative project by Arsham Studio and the Mattel Creations design team combines Arsham’s experimentation with materials across iconic Hot Wheels models. There will be four drops, totaling eight vehicles.
“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 for our fans,” says Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles for 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.”
Arsham is known for experimenting with materials, and this collaboration is no different. To ensure that Arsham’s signature eroded details were expressed in 1:64-scale, Mattel Creations designers explored materials used across Mattel’s portfolio and landed on silkstone, a modern composite with a porcelain appearance utilized in some Barbie dolls. This is the first use of this material in the manufacturing of 1:64-scale cars.
“Mattel Creations developed creative ways to deliver my vision by thinking outside of the box and experimenting with new materials and processes,” says Arsham. “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.”
The Mattel Creations x Daniel Arsham Hot Wheels collection will be available on Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. PT on the Mattel Creations website.
