Lili Lare is a San Diego-based dress designer. Born in Togo, West Africa, she immigrated to the United States, and established her business, Lili Kouture, in City Heights about twenty years ago. This coat, shown from the back, features traditional Ghanaian adinkra symbols, each of which is associated with a Ghanaian proverb. Educated at College St. Joseph in Lome, Lili (who had been trained to follow a pattern) began designing her own clothes and creating her own patterns. Her garments have been featured in numerous fashion shows, including The Fall Fashion and Auction Show at the Hilton Hotel in Mission Valley, San Diego Fashion Week, RAW Fashion Week in Los Angeles, and The Hollywood & African Prestigious Award (HAPAWARDS) Foundation in Hollywood, CA, where she was a nominee for best African Designer. She received a Certificate of Recognition from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria & The City of San Diego for her contribution to the small business community of City Heights, and recognition from the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association for her outstanding contribution to the community. In April of 2023, Lili closed her brick-and-mortar store and is transitioning to an online business. She will divide her time between San Diego and Togo, pursuing her vision of establishing a ministry and orphanage.