about roos

A woman with blonde hair wearing a blue top is smiling at the camera while sitting at a sewing machine in a room with art on the wall and other people in the background.

Photo’s taken by Sabine Haitsma during The Creative Lab #1 in October 2022.

RCL was founded by Roos Koks in Amsterdam. It all started in 2020, when she tragically lost her bag and decided to make a replacement by herself. A bit proud, she showed her handmade bag to her friends and got her first orders in! Soon after she launched the RCL Instagram page. 

What began as a modest side hustle during her studies quickly escalated into something more serious, when a small atelier on the canals of Amsterdam crossed her path and she decided to take it.

Five years later, Roos carries her sewing machine everywhere she goes, designing and crafting bags between Amsterdam and her second home, Lisbon. Her passion lies in sourcing colorful fabrics and seeking out deadstock materials deserving a second life. She carefully selects those that catch her eye and transforms them into bags.

Two young women are conversing at a craft fair or market stall with colorful knit hats on display. One woman is wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and black pants, and the other is in a green crochet sweater and white pants, holding a drink. A water bottle, some bags, and a sewing machine are also visible on the table.

Co-Founder of The Creative Lab

Together with her friend Marijn, Roos founded The Creative Lab in 2022. As creators, they realized their shared need for a creative community and a space to meet each other.

The Creative Lab emerged as a platform where small business owners could come together, connect with their audience, and inspire one another—while enjoying good music, drinks & bites.

In October 2022, they organized the first Creative Lab pop-up market, inviting creators to sell their handmade fashion, curated vintage, ceramics, interior pieces, and art. One year later, they reflect on six successful editions, each a bigger celebration of creativity and community.

The Creative Lab takes place every two months at a different location in Amsterdam. Roos sells her RCL bags at every market. Click here to discover when the next Creative Lab takes place.