By Julia Eskins

Photography by Tara West, Aleyah Solomon, Chris Davison, Armada Music and Jill Greenberg for Netflix

Every good story begins with intrigue. And more often than not, it’s a person — a character — that sparks it.

Over the past year, FAJO’s editorial team has interviewed and photographed fascinating people across many industries, including fashion, business and entertainment.

From Toronto to New York City and beyond, we look back at our top five stories of 2013 and the captivating personalities they focus on.

Kate Winslet

There’s nothing quite like the Red Carpet buzz of the Toronto International Film Festival. Every September TIFF comes and goes, always leaving behind a residual layer of Hollywood stardust. Among this year’s noteworthy celebrities was Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, who spoke with FAJO about her latest film, her family and Red Carpet glamour.

The cover of our October 2013 issue, themed as The Personality Issue.

Jason Biggs

This year, orange was in — at least for anyone with Netflix and an interest in the quirks of women’s prison culture. Leading the cast of Orange Is The New Black is a familiar face: Jason Biggs. Long past his days of starring in the American Pie franchise, Biggs told us more about his role in the new series.

Jason Biggs and OINTB on the cover of our September issue.

Armin van Buuren

Internationally acclaimed DJ Armin van Buuren has a sound that resonates worldwide. With millions of listeners tuning into his weekly radio show, downloading his podcast and following his music career, it’s no wonder this FAJO Exclusive was a favourite among our readers.

Armin van Buuren.

Arlene Dickinson

Best known as the marketing-minded venture capitalist on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Arlene Dickinson is synonymous with entrepreneurial gusto. Since taking the helm of Venture Communications in 1998, this dragon has garnered attention for her strategic and creative approach to business.

Dickinson poses for FAJO at 119 Corbo in Yorkville – one of her favourite Toronto boutiques.

Ruffian

Juxtaposing art forms and archetypes, New York City-based label Ruffian has attracted a cult following in the fashion world. Behind the brilliance is designer duo Brian Wolk and Claude Morais. In this cover Exclusive, FAJO steps into their Manhattan studio to chat about their beginnings, their journey and where they are today.

Brian Wolk (left) and Claude Morais on the cover of The North American Issue.