WEARING ALL THE HATS

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Growing up in a family where Mardi Gras parades were a part of tradition, Sue Capitelli has always been deeply passionate about the festivities and all that came with them. “My earliest memories are from when my mom would take us to every parade she could,” Capitelli recalls. “Through rain, sleet, or sunshine, we were there! My family was in the Krewe of Elks truck parade on Mardi Gras Day for many years, and when I was old enough, I would help with the float designs for the group. I have lots of wonderful family memories of that.”

Naturally, as an adult, she continued her involvement with Mardi Gras and joined a krewe for herself. “I was with them for four years, which was always a great time,” says Capitelli, who moved to Mandeville with her husband, Bob, in 1983. “My family and friends would come watch me strut my stuff, and my daughter, Claire, was also in the group with me. After a few years, more of my family and friends wanted to join in on the fun, but the group was limited on space.”

And so, in 2009, Capitelli used her expertise in all things Mardi Gras to found a krewe of her own, the Prima Donnas. “Family is so important to me. I wanted the group to be mothers and daughters, sisters and good friends,” she explains. “Our first march consisted of just six lovely ladies. Over the years our group has grown, from six, to 29, to 56, to 110—and currently, we are up to 160 gorgeous ladies and have a waitlist! As our group has grown, we have all become family. This sisterhood has women who travel from all over the country, as well as internationally, to be with their Prima Donnas sisters. We all have such a special bond.”

Under Capitelli’s leadership, the Prima Donnas have worked with many charities over the years, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Society, the American Cancer Society, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Hope House, and The Greater Covington Junior League.

As the queen of the krewe, Capitelli has a great deal of responsibility, but also a lot of support from the women who surround her. “We have 10 royal officers and 13 captains,” she says. “Soon after we’ve wrapped up another successful Prima Donna Day, we get started on preparations for next year. Together, we brainstorm themes, discuss ideas on how to improve and continue to build our organization, and begin planning. The royals’ duties also include communication through email, sourcing accessories, illustration design boards of bustiers, designing t-shirts and specialty throws and providing guidance to their groups. The captains also help the ladies in their group with bead parties, advice, and are in charge of our annual masquerade ball, which is always fabulous. From there, it is a very busy year! My daughter Claire and I work to reserve the venues for our events for the year—the Hat Party, Masquerade Ball and Grand Luncheon, as well as hotel accommodations and balcony space. Additionally, we get insurance for the group, hire photographers, security and a jazz band, secure all permits and ensure we have a police escort. There are a lot of moving parts. And once our theme is decided, I start designing the headpieces.”

Those headpieces, in fact, are a major part of Capitelli’s life, both in her role with the Prima Donnas as well as her professional life. The owner of Haute Dames Couture, Capitelli has made a name for herself as a milliner, along with her business partner, “Royal” Debbie Evans. “We make the headpieces for each group, which usually takes us a few months to complete,” Capitelli says. “The Prima Donnas have a different theme every year, and our 13 groups each have a different headpiece design that coordinates with the theme. In August, we have our Hat Party to kick off our next Prima Donna season, reveal the theme, unveil the hat and design inspirations, and select headpieces for each group.”

In her work as the owner of Haute Dames, Capitelli creates gorgeous hats and fascinators for all occasions. Her artwork and hats have been sold at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, as well as boutiques and gift stores throughout the French Quarter. “We have had hats travel to the Kentucky Derby and even to London to have tea with the Queen,” she says. “We even showcased our hats in New York Fashion Week and walked the runway. Our hats and fascinators were also featured at New Orleans Fashion Week.”