If there is one queen of cult cinema, it is Uma Thurman. From the late 1980s to 2000, she starred in some of the most successful films in alternative cinema. Think of an assassin movie spanning all genres Kill Bill and artistic sci-fi film Gattaca. And, of course, who could forget her iconic Mia Wallace turn in the 1994 cult classic? pulp Fiction? Without a doubt, Uma has an insightful eye for the movie roles she chooses. And she is just as demanding with her wardrobe choices. All of Jil Sander’s minimalism and understated red carpet looks, Uma had 90s flair right down to a tee. But she’s never been afraid of a fashion risk, and it’s her quirky evening outfit choices that have made Uma one of the chicest women of the decade. Here, we come back to the singular journey and the inimitable style of the actresses through a selection of some of her most emblematic outfits.

Shot by Denis Piel, 1986

The Swedish-American model’s daughter of Mexican descent – and Vogue cover star – Nena von Schlebrügge, Uma began her illustrious career in modeling, rather than acting. Not even a year after signing with Click Models, Uma has landed her own Vogue blanket, photographed by none other than Patrick Demarchelier for the UK edition of The Style Bible. Here, a year after the start of her modeling career (and with a second British Vogue cover under her belt) Uma poses for fashion photographer Denis Piel in a simple white tank top. The look is deceptively simple, yet infinitely iconic: an instant moodboard classic.

At the premiere of the State of Grace, 1990

After deciding to pursue an acting career, Uma landed her breakout role in the ’90s period drama. Dangerous Liaisons, starring Hollywood heavyweights Glenn Close and John Malkovich. Throughout the early ’90s, early in her career, Uma kept things super low-key on the red carpet. Think coatigans, black-on-black looks, and baggy pants. Here, attending a movie premiere with then-husband Gary Oldman, she wears a button-down dress, layered over a black tee and under a black blazer to keep things casual.

Photo by Pool BENAINOUS / REGLAIN / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

At the Cannes Film Festival, 1993

For her first time in Cannes, we see a more refined iteration of Uma’s understated formal style. Attend the film premiere Mad dog and glory along with her co-star Robert Di Niro, she wears her usual black-on-black cut. The look, however, is enhanced with a belted hourglass waistline reminiscent of an inflected elegance by Yohji Yamamoto.

In Pulp Fiction, 1994

Throughout her career, Uma has worn some of the most memorable outfits in cinema. And this is not hyperbole! Thought Kill Billof Beatrix Kiddo, speeding through Tokyo on a Kawasaki bike, wearing this iconic yellow leather jumpsuit. Or Batman and robinis nasty Poisonous sumac, all leafy green leopards and flaming red hair. Or even Dangerous bondby Cécile de Volanges in sumptuous corseted dresses. Uma’s most iconic costume, however, belongs to pulp FictionIt’s Mia Wallace. You know the look by heart: crisp white shirt, cropped black pants, bang-ed bob haircut, Chanel “Rouge Noir” nails and the ubiquitous cigarette smoke. Although the outfit was not worn by Uma herself, it has come to be synonymous with the actress’ style legacy, in part due to its deceptive simplicity.

Photo by Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

At the Oscars, 1995

Uma Thurman and a lilac Prada dress forever changed the face of red carpet dressing. His starring turn in the 1995 Quentin Tarantino classic pulp Fiction Not only did Uma earn an Oscar nomination, but made her one of the most lively actresses of the year. Knowing that all eyes would be on her at that year’s Oscars, Uma opted to wear a dress from a relatively unknown Italian fashion house named Prada. In an era when stars made sure red carpet bets or sensational statements, picking an obscure high fashion name was an odd choice. It paid off for both parties, however. Although Uma did not win the Oscar, the Prada dress earned her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s chicest starlets. And, in turn, Prada has seen a major increase in its popularity in the United States. It was that moment that launched the era of celebrity stylists, red carpet marketing and fashion tabloids that we still live in today.

Photo by SGranitz / WireImage

At the Golden Globes, 1995

Following her infamous Oscar tour at Prada, Uma sparked interest in the fashion industry (and style tabloids) for her quirky red carpet picks. Over the years, some of Uma’s chic style risks have included: an Oscar-set Chanel halter in the shape of a goddess, a dazzled – and backless – number by Jean-Paul Gaultier in Cannes, and a Christian archive dress. Lacroix at the Oscars. The simplest, chicest – and most Uma – of all is this satin coat, worn only with nude sandals, at the 1995 Golden Globes.

Photo by The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

At the New York Film Festival, 1998

Powerful ’90s alternative cinema couple Uma and Ethan Hawke met on the set of cult sci-fi drama Gattaca in 1997 and married a year later. Here, the duo attends the 1998 New York Film Festival looking very 90s, indeed. Ethan associates his grunge-y Hamlet– will hair with a three button blazer. Likewise, Uma’s silky, long babydoll dress wouldn’t look out of place on that year’s Prada show. A perfectly chic, perfectly discreet and perfectly Uma way to wrap up a decade of iconic looks.

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