LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Hollywood's Ovation Mall and Dolby Theatre, normally home to the Academy Awards, for the first time ushered in the Chinese New Year with a delightful celebration that merged Eastern and Western cultural traditions.

The celebration, which was held in Los Angeles on Sunday, featured three fashion shows, dancing performances, cultural events, music and a special art gallery show on Shanghai life in the 1930s.

"Tourists come to LA from all over to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chinatown, and now Hollywood and Ovation Mall are giving them an even more upscale and luxurious Chinese New Year destination to enjoy," the event's program director Evelyn Xu told Xinhua.

"It was a terrific event," Rob Martin, a tourist, told Xinhua. "My wife and I stumbled upon it by accident and really enjoyed all the colorful and beautiful fashion shows and the cool Chinese performances."

This high-profile event began with a stunning fashion show staged on the iconic Academy steps sweeping down from high above, where icons of cinema walk down after receiving their Academy Awards.

Twenty gorgeous models floated down the Award steps, revealing the elegant new evening wear line from celebrity fashion designer Kiki Wang.

"I consider myself an ambassador between Eastern and Western cultures," Wang told Xinhua. "Fashion and beauty can unite our cultures -- in fact, I want to unite the whole world with fashion!"

Wang's new "East Meets West" collection was designed entirely in red, with shimmering red silks, satins, gossamer and chiffons, and decorated with exquisite embroidery and brocade in gold, greens and blues.

A second fashion show showcased the exquisite flowing robes and pastel colors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Also featured was the Miss LA Chinatown Qipao Fashion and Beauty Show, reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s, when these stylish and iconic, form-fitting dresses first became popular.

To prepare for the Chinese New Year celebration, organizers also did rehearsals and selected dresses, models, dancers and songs, with many groups and community members coming together to help this cross-cultural tradition shine in this new venue.

"Everything on display today from Chinese culture is unique and beautiful and so interesting because it is very different from a traditional American New Year celebration," Xu told Xinhua. "That's fun for people looking for something new."

"It's all so elegant and gorgeous!" said actress and spectator Cici Lau, who came all the way from San Gabriel to enjoy the Chinese New Year festivities. "It's so cultural and a wonderful delight for everyone." Enditem

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