Yara Shahidi Rocks a Custom Dior at her Harvard Graduation

Yara Shahidi has shown that nothing can stop her when she put her mind to anything. From her acting career in Hollywood to studying for her four-year undergraduate program at Harvard University is no small feat.

The Black-ish and Grown-ish actress studied in the University’s Social Studies and African American departments, spending four years (plus a gap year) concentrating on “Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape.”

And now, after completing her 136-page thesis paper, The young actress is celebrating her official graduation.

“It’s surreal to have finally hit this major milestone…I’ve known I wanted to go to college since I was four. By 17, I knew exactly what I wanted to study, so to see that come to fruition is a goal fulfilled.”

She tells Vogue

For her graduation Yara wore a custom Dior outfit.

“Instead of leaning into what I thought other people would wear because of tradition or legacy, I wanted to honor what I like, and what I feel represents who I am,” says Shahidi. “The idea is inspired by a classic Dior silhouette, and a classic Yara silhouette.” She chose a custom Dior two-piece suit—styled by Jason Bolden—in crimson red, one of Harvard’s school colors. “We decided to align with school spirit by utilizing crimson red suiting,” says Shahidi. “I wanted to make sure the look didn’t feel too formal, but leaned into the fact that this is a joyous occasion—something that felt vibrant and bright.”

See photos from Yara’s graduation below;