Flowery embroidered silk pillows, candy wrappers with symbolic animal shapes, and vibrant, delicious-looking cakes… It’s like we’re in a dream reliving our childhood. But these are not antique gems from your Grandma’s house or hidden boutique markets across China. They are newly produced, 1980s-inspired design-centric products by a young creative who goes under the brand, Runbobo (逃泡泡).
From its color palette to the material adaptations, Runbobo feels uncannily close to our memory of the 1980s. One of the most popular items is a small bag decoration shaped like a pillow. During the ’80s, China became known for its textile industry, especially during its prosperity era brought by economic reform and the country’s opening up. Among its major cities, Shanghai stood out as a key representative. At its peak, Shanghai had 15 factories producing towels, pillowcases, and bed covers for the entire country, shaping a shared memory of that recognizable flower-themed and intricately embroidered bedding.
In the world Runbobo has created, there is a Joy Cold Drink House (幸福冷饮屋) representing signature drinks from the ’80s. When bubble tea was first introduced from Taiwan, that sweet taste from the very first sip defined the taste of joy. Then there were the often overly bright-colored cakes, topped with whipped cream and loaded with food coloring. These excessive hues reflected that hopeful era and its booming economy.
Super cute designs aside, the production of these delicate products carry a deeper meaning of cultural preservation. For example, one calendar borrows beaded curtains from typical to doorways back then. It was commonly used as an alternative to a solid door between reception spaces and functional areas such as the kitchen or dining room—saving costs while adding playfulness and brightness to the home, all while maintaining privacy.
Living in the present, Runbobo continues to develop new products, replicating or adapting the collective dreams of the yesteryears we associate with “the good ol’ times.” It’s often referred to as dreamcore, and yes, it does indeed feel like a nostalgic dream—one we’re more than happy to rebuild in real life, thanks to Runbobo. Check out their Xiaohongshu page here.
Cover Image via GAF Art Fair.
