Abstract: Qiang ethnic group is one of the Chinese minority nationalities with a long history and rich cultural heritage in China. The unique historical culture and living environment of the Qiang people empower the rich apparel colors, diverse apparel patterns and distinctive styles. In the long historical changes, Qiang costumes are constantly evolving and changing. How to inherit and innovate based on traditional costumes is an important topic that fashion designers have been exploring. The paper focuses on the innovative means of turning the Qiang nationality’s “graduated shade” and “azaleas pattern” from two-dimensional to threedimensional. On the basis of protecting and inheriting Qiang costumes, the transformation of Qiang costume patterns from “plane” to “space” is completed. A brand-new sensory experience is formed from both visual and tactile aspects, which makes Qiang costumes present a multi-dimensional and diversified aesthetic effect.

Key words: Qiang ethnic group; costume pattern; three-dimensional