ILLEST X HOT WHEELS
Objective
Collaborate on the concept and design of an apparel collection for the ILLEST x Mattel partnership. This collaboration celebrates the shared culture between car enthusiasts and Hot Wheels collectors, blending streetwear style with automotive nostalgia.
Approach
A key visual featuring a bosozoku-style car illustration with exaggerated proportions, giving a playful cartoon-like quality that nods to Hot Wheels toys was used to relate to bring the collaboration to life. This illustration served as the foundation for the collection's initial identity.
Supporting graphics included skulls with wrenches, Japanese icons, and katakana text to reflect the car enthusiast community and stay true to ILLEST's brand DNA. The result was a bold and simple collection that blended streetwear car culture with Hot Wheels fun.
PART II
The initial release was a strong start, setting the stage for an ongoing collaboration between ILLEST and Mattel. It acted as a teaser for what was coming next. And soon, word got out that limited-edition Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast VW Bus reimagined with our design spin, were on the way. Of course, we delivered.
To mark the next phase, a new collection of apparel and accessories launched alongside the limited edition Hotwheels Fatlace VW Bus. This time, the release event was held at Mattel’s Global Headquarters in El Segundo, CA.
Contributions
Graphic Design:
Michael Javier @ILLEST
Photography:
Michael Javier @ILLEST
Illustrator:
Von Alcantara @ILLEST
Marketing:
Lo Torres & Teara Dela Cruz @ILLEST,
Donna and staff @Mattel, Inc.
Die-cast Direction:
Mark Arcenal @ILLEST/FATLACE
Links
ILLEST x Hot Wheels Launch Event →
