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This golden ceremonial costume was intended for the one event in the life of August the Strong that surpassed all others: his coronation as King of Poland in Cracow on the 15th of September 1697. That evening, the 27-year old sovereign appeared at the festive banquet clad all in gold – wearing this dress of shimmering cloth-of-gold with silver embroidery and stockings knitted from gold yarn. Additional silver embroidery adorns the wide cuffs and the silk waistcoat in a shade of poppy red known as "ponceau" after the French. Diamond buttons enhanced the splendour of the ensemble.

The cut of the costume and the embroidery patterns followed the latest fashions at the French court. Under Louis the Fourteenth, it was the foremost trend-setter in matters of court etiquette, style and sartorial luxury. The French king’s absolutist rule allowed him to display unheard-of personal power and splendour, and many European rulers found themselves fascinated by that. On his Grand Tour from 1686 to 1688, August the Strong spent a total of ten months at the Sun King’s magnificent court and retained a life-long admiration for Louis.

It was the French king Louis the Fourteenth who had established the "justaucorps", a fitted, knee-length coat, as formal court dress. It was worn with a long-sleeved waistcoat, also knee-length, and close-fitting breeches. Both coat and waistcoat were only ever partially buttoned up.

Gold and silver embroidery, lace and passementerie buttons add to the sumptuous appearance. Imagine a matching plumed hat, a wig, gloves, a loosely tied cravat, lace cuffs at the wrists, plus shoes with buckles and red high heels.

This golden ceremonial costume is one of ten selected items of dress from the Royal Wardrobe to be preserved on the orders of August the Strong himself. These garments are associated with the most significant political and dynastic events in the king’s life. The golden banqueting dress is the earliest of them.