Chako Setoyama is regarded as the leading designer of leather fashions in the Canadian fashion industry today. She consistently turns out a line of silky smooth and wonderfully soft leather garments that have earned her a reputation as a "stand-alone" throughout the North American market.

Producing both men's and women's leather fashions under her CHAKO for JME label, Chako pours her extensive knowledge of Japanese culture into every garment, each one a reflection of her remarkable love and appreciation for all things beautiful. Chako describes her garments as being fashions crafted from "leather that feels like silk."

Chako's knowledge and expertise of the Japanese culture is the result of serious study of No-dance, flower arranging, tea ceremonies, and designing all cultivated during her education at Ikeno-bo University in Kyoto, Japan. Upon graduating, Chako was chosen from over 3000 applicants to be one of the companions at the International Administration Office at the World Expo in Osaka in 1970.

In 1985, Chako joined James Moto Enterprises Inc., bringing both her entrepreneurship and design vision to the successful partnership which gave birth to the Chako for JME label.

In 1995, Tokyo's "Executive Magazine" recognized her as "the most active working business woman outside Japan ". Although living and working in Toronto, she remains a sought-after motivational speaker at high schools in Suzuka, Mie-prefecture, Japan where she received her own early schooling.
Today, Chako continues to pour her passion and boundless energy into ever more creative uses of leather in the manufacture of designer clothing for all occasions.

Since 1999, Chako's work has been displayed in major fashions shows in Toronto, including Toronto Fashion Week. Chako's signature "East Meets West" line features her unique blend of traditional Japanese kimono aesthetic with the pragmatism of western design elements.

Fashion Show
2001 Fall/Winter Collection - 2002 Fall/Winter Collection - 2003 Fall/Winter Collection