On the Levi’s denim carpet at Melbourne’s NGV Gala, corsetry met abstraction, punk codes brushed against sculptural restraint, and the room pulsed with the spirit of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo – the two visionaries being spotlighted by the National Gallery of Victoria's new landmark exhibition.

Musician Tyde Levi was one of the guests inside the evening, dressed in Prada. From inside the orbit of the night, he sent RUSSH postcards – snapshots of getting ready with his siblings, of family gathered at the table, of friends caught between moments – and answered all of our burning questions.

What did you choose to wear to the NGV Gala, and how did Vivienne Westwood or Rei Kawakubo’s design philosophies influence your look for the night?

I wore Prada along with my two brothers to the gala. Prada’s new line is all about ‘raw beauty’ and featured rough edges and unfinished textures. It’s like refined imperfection. Elegant, but slightly disruptive. That’s very Westwood-Kawakubo to me.

What was playing in the background while you were getting ready – and how does your getting-ready soundtrack set the tone for an evening like this?

I put on a DJ set! Palms Trax set on The Lot Radio. It’s gotta be high energy. This set is perfect. Disco and groovy house tracks. It sets the tone whilst being easy to listen to for everyone in the house.

Can you describe the moment you stepped into the gala? What caught your eye first – the people, the clothes, the energy?

It's chaotic in the best way. Just looking around seeing what’s going on, where to walk, who to talk to... I’m definitely just feeling the energy out first and foremost.

Was there a particular detail, outfit, or artwork from the exhibition that stopped you in your tracks or shifted your perspective in some way?

My personal style I would say is very classic. So, it was pretty amazing to see the way both designers broke so many rules on such classic designs and silhouettes. It makes me think about how I could bring more disruption into my looks.

What was the most memorable moment of the night for you – a conversation, a performance, a feeling – that you think will stay with you?

The most special thing most of the time at these events is being able to do it with family. I look around the table and my parents are there – with my Mum holding my two week old nephew – my siblings, close friends, our partners all sharing a table. These events are always special but having family with you there just makes it that much more incredible.

Looking back through your own photos from the evening, is there one image that captures the essence of your night at the Gala? What makes it special?

It’s this photo of a family friend of ours. Like I said before – it’s so special being there with friends and family. Its not just about the glitz and glam, but sharing it with the people around you.

If you could distil the night into a single sensory memory – a sound, a fabric, a colour, a scent – what would it be, and why does that moment linger?

I love the hum of a room full of chatter. Knowing that people are asking questions, laughing and sharing special conversations and moments with each other is always my favourite part of going to any event.