Jo Squillo was born Giovanna Coletti on a warm summer day in Milan, a city where fashion, art, and music pulse through its very streets. Growing up alongside her twin sister Paola in a household that valued culture and expression, Jo was steeped in the eclectic energy of Italy’s most vibrant city. Her parents, Aldo and Giovanna Coletti, fostered curiosity and independence, qualities that would later define her path. From a young age, Jo’s world was saturated with sounds punk rock riffs, avant-garde melodies, and the hum of a city that never truly slept.
At just sixteen, Jo felt the call to create. Drawn to the unpolished honesty of punk music, she joined Kandeggina Gang, one of Italy’s pioneering all-female punk bands. Performing with Kandeggina Gang wasn’t just an artistic choice; it was an act of rebellion. In a male-dominated scene, Jo carved out space for unapologetic female voices. Her performances were electric, laced with an anti-conformist spirit that both captivated and challenged audiences. This early chapter planted the seeds for a lifelong commitment to authentic expression.
That spark of motivation never dimmed. In 1981, Jo embarked on a solo career with the release of her debut album Girl senza paura, a bold testament to courage and freedom. The album’s raw punk energy and socially charged lyrics resonated with a generation hungry for change. Jo quickly became more than a musician; she was a symbol of fearless womanhood.
Yet the journey was far from smooth. As Jo transitioned from punk’s underground to the mainstream music world, she encountered skepticism and criticism. Many questioned whether a punk singer could thrive in the polished world of pop and television. Her resolve was further tested in 1992, when one of her songs was disqualified from the Sanremo Music Festival due to an unforeseen similarity a moment that struck hard at her confidence.
But resilience is Jo’s true melody. The turning point arrived in 1991, when she co-wrote and performed Siamo donne with Sabrina Salerno at Sanremo. The anthem of female empowerment captivated audiences and became a timeless rallying cry. That performance not only rejuvenated Jo’s music career but also opened new doors in television.
Jo soon found herself at the helm of TV Moda, a pioneering fashion program that blended style with social commentary. With charm and vision, she transformed the show into a cultural touchstone, shaping Italy’s fashion narrative while remaining true to her activist roots.
Even as her television career flourished, Jo never abandoned her commitment to social change. In 2014, moved by the growing crisis of gender-based violence, she founded Wall of Dolls in Milan. The installation a haunting yet hopeful display of dolls representing victims of violence invited the public to participate in collective remembrance and advocacy. Over time, Wall of Dolls expanded to Rome, Venice, and other cities, becoming a national movement. Through this project, Jo turned grief into activism, and art into action.
Throughout her life, Jo Squillo has remained guided by values of authenticity, courage, and social responsibility. Her belief that creativity should serve as a catalyst for change permeates her music, her television work, and her activism. She lives by the principle that true style is not about surface but about substance.
The impact of Jo’s journey is profound. She has inspired generations of women to find their voices, to fight for equality, and to believe in the transformative power of art. Her work has given visibility to those who are often silenced, and her fearless example continues to light the way.
Today, Jo looks ahead with unyielding vision. She dreams of taking Wall of Dolls beyond Italy, turning it into a global platform for awareness and solidarity. New musical and documentary projects are on the horizon, each infused with her signature blend of artistry and activism. As she continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Jo Squillo’s unwavering commitment to using her voice for good.
