Big Sean - I Decided Pop-Up Shop

Accompanying the debut of his fourth album I Decided, Rally was feeling wayyy up and blessed to host Big Sean's Toronto pop-up shop. Along with New York, L.A. and Detroit, Sean Don launched his all new merchandise which was inspired by the subject matter and lyrics from the album. Designing the limited-edition merch himself, the rapper took a holistic approach towards the project; a meaningful consideration of his message delivered through the album and merchandise.

No L's were taken and it looks like the underdog just turned into the wolf.

http://www.blogto.com/music/2017/02/toronto-big-sean-pop-up-shop/

Photos by: Shahnoor Ijaz

WISHLIST Holiday Market

In partnership with thisopenspace, our December programming was a genuine 'rally' in the truest sense. Curating a group of four different brands with individually creative build-outs to construct an unmissable, one-of-a-kind holiday gift pop-up market. BlogTO identified us as one of the top 10 can't miss markets and pop-ups in Toronto for holiday shopping:

The mix of participating brands complimented each other so well while remaining unique in their individual presence. We had a blast working with all of them, thank-you Frank + Oak, Bobbies, Mary Young and Chance & Fate. 

STARBOY

In celebration of his fourth full-length album, The Weeknd brought his limited edition Starboy collection to his hometown pop-up shop at Rally. It was the only location in Canada, as well as the only location worldwide where the Starboy himself made an appearance to sign autographs and show his fans some love.   

The gallery was red, the fans were out in masses and the Starboy left a blazing trail.   

XO.

BillBoard Magazine mention

BlogTO mention

KOTN

Closing out the phenomenal pop-ups that were hosted at Rally in 2016, this holiday season we welcomed local brand KOTN into our space. Specializing in essential goods made from authentic and sustainably sourced Egyptian cotton, KOTN designed a beautiful shop with beautiful products. Collaborating with local furniture designers KROFT to furnish and design the space, the shop looked amazing and felt as warm, cozy and welcoming as one of KOTN's t-shirts. 

The Borders in Between

The refugee crisis has been one of the most pressing global issues in recent years. Last fall, photojournalist Cody Punter spent three months following the migrant route from Turkey to Germany. Upon returning, Cody exhibited 34 of his most compelling photographs under the title The Borders In Between.

A group of friends and local bravehearts, working with Lifeline Syria sponsored a family of four to immigrate to Canada in July 2016. Continuing their support, they invited Cody and his exhibition as part of their fundraiser to raise additional support. This special presentation of Borders In Between exhibition at Rally was the first time the collection of images had been shown in Toronto. 

Cody spoke about his experience, and there was a silent auction of his most gripping photographs with proceeds going to the family. This event provided an opportunity to learn more about the crisis and to directly support those who have been affected by it.

The World's Best Tuque

Frontier, a local magazine, design studio and ventures group, believe that to feed the powerful engine that is creative development, you need a combination of content, consulting and entrepreneurship. The Frontier Ventures program consists of one internal venture and one partner venture every year and their first internal venture was The Frontier Tuque. 

The crew from Frontier transformed Rally into a unique, experiential pop-up shop with an informative display, telling the story of the Frontier Tuque from conception to delivery. If you didn't get your hands on one of these exclusive lids, the shop also had a variety of goods from pins to patches to the second issue of their terrific magazine.  

Opening Night of Contortions

Contortions

Lush gardens, creatures and idols compose a world in decay. Beautiful but poisonous for any familiar life forms, man is absorbed until there is no trace left but his own spirit and concept. Conquered by curious plants and beasts he is now the servant of his own myths and part of the past. 

Contortions features six large paintings, a mixed media sculpture and twenty illustrations for an intimate invitation into the artist’s fascination with enigmatic variations of perception and reality. 

"Olivier Bonnard is a surrealist painter who creates his own mythology, twisted deities, rulers and underdogs, inviting the viewer to wander around and discover an unlimited imagination and his unique oneiric world; half realistic, half fictional, surrounded by his traditional mastery with the paint brush." (Juxtapoz)

https://vimeo.com/190795660

The Contortions exhibition is at Rally from November 8th to November 19th. 

Atelier New Regime

October brought the gentlemen of Atelier New Regime, the Montreal streetwear line to Rally, not once but twice! A three day pop-up shop both times featured their new collection of goods, "École Buissonnière" consisting of stripped long sleeve shirts, varsity jackets, sweatsuits and graphics playing on the themes of school and institutions.

Toronto loves these talented designers, come back soon,

Scott Campbell x Hennessy

When Hennessy Very Special announced the latest edition and Toronto launch of its Limited Edition series with a new bottle design created by American tattoo artist Scott Campbell, we were ecstatic.  We are big fans of his work and thought it so fortunate that while he'd be in Toronto, he'd be here at Rally. In continuing a legacy of artistic collaboration that spans centuries, the new bottle illustrates the brand's dedication to the art of blending by overlapping two very different, very old traditions: tattoo artistry & Cognac making.

The Limited Edition release is the sixth in an ongoing series between Hennessy V.S and internationally renowned artists, including Ryan McGinness, Shepard Fairey, Os Gemêos, Futura, and KAWS.

For a day in October we welcomed Mr. Scott Campbell, the illustrious Hennessy team and their wonderful guests here to Rally to shake down in celebration. From a pop-up tattoo shop in the front, through a photo exhibition of Scott's process led you over two-levels to the late night music showcase in the lower space.

All photos by Yannick Anton