L'HISTOIRE: Uma Thurman's Ethereal Chanel Set at the 2003 SAG Awards

L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.

In the early 2000s, Uma Thurman was already an established Hollywood heavyweight, thanks to unforgettable roles in cult favorites like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. But her influence wasn’t limited to the big screen—Thurman brought just as much presence and poise to the red carpet as she did to her film roles. Always elegant and never one to follow trends blindly, her style felt like a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by flashy logos and low-rise everything.

Attending the SAG Awards for her nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for Hysterical Blindness, Thurman opted for a look that felt like a soft exhale—romantic, feminine, and quietly powerful. She wore a floral two-piece set by Chanel, a look that stood out for its subtlety amid the era’s love for glitz. With its soft palette and dainty florals, the set nodded to vintage French chic while staying firmly in the realm of early 2000s cool.

In true Chanel fashion, the tailoring was impeccable—structured yet gentle, flowing yet refined. Thurman paired the ensemble with strappy gold heels and gold jewelry, which brought just the right amount of shimmer. Her hair, styled with that tousled, early-aughts ease, completed the look: natural, effortless, and totally her.

The overall effect was timeless: a look that didn’t clamor for attention but instead lingered in the memory, much like Thurman’s most iconic roles. The semi-sheer fabric hinted at delicacy, but the silhouette and styling spoke to quiet confidence. It was a reminder that red carpet fashion doesn’t have to be loud to be impactful. Thurman’s choice felt deeply intentional, like a continuation of her character work: layered, nuanced, and always a step ahead of the curve.

Two decades later, the look still holds up—maybe even more so in an era that’s re-embracing romantic silhouettes, soft tailoring, and personal rather than performative style. It’s no surprise that Thurman, with her unique blend of edge and elegance, would deliver a fashion moment that ages as gracefully as she does.

To channel Thurman’s ethereal floral moment, opt for this elegant brown dress by Siedrés—a modern nod to Y2K that feels effortlessly current. Add a touch of silver sophistication with these feminine Oscar de la Renta earrings, and stack on Alexis Bittar’s bold gold bangles for that signature edge. Finish the look with a pair of gleaming gold Manolo Blahnik heels to bring it all together in true red carpet form.