Seventeen 292 October 1998 | 95% ESSENTIAL |

The cover story focused on Russell's transition to stardom and her iconic curly hair, which became a defining aesthetic of the era.

The October 1998 issue of Seventeen magazine is a quintessential time capsule of late-90s teen culture, most notable for featuring on the cover. At the time, Russell was the breakout star of the new hit TV series Felicity , which had premiered just weeks earlier. Cover Star & Pop Culture Seventeen 292 October 1998

Other cultural touchstones mentioned in issues around this time included Sarah Michelle Gellar and emerging stars like Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. Fashion & Aesthetic Trends The cover story focused on Russell's transition to

Prominent features included flared denim (like JNCOs), butterfly clips, and early-autumn layering. Cover Star & Pop Culture Other cultural touchstones

During this period, Seventeen was navigating a transition from its mid-century roots as a guide for "model citizens" to a more consumer-driven, pop-culture-heavy publication.

The issue also featured high-profile content on Lauryn Hill, who was dominating the charts following the August release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill .

The October 1998 edition showcased the peak of "Y2K-prep" and "grunge-lite" fashion: