Sam Smith and partner Christian Cowan drew attention at the 72 Magazine launch event in New York on Friday, with Smith wearing a dramatic floor-length black gown and the couple walking hand in hand. The outing came as the magazine released its inaugural issue, which features Julia Roberts on the cover.
Smith, 33, who uses they/them pronouns, attended the event draped in a full-length black gown with a matching shawl, black platform heels and a small black handbag. They were noted to be wearing a ginger-toned beard and small hoop earrings. Cowan, 29, wore a pinstripe black suit with shiny black loafers and a baseball cap embroidered with floral detailing.
Cowan shared images from the event on social media, including one showing him with 72 Magazine founder Edward Enninful. Enninful, the former European editorial director of Condé Nast, launched the new title this month; its first issue was released Sept. 12. Julia Roberts, the magazine's cover star, posted on Instagram congratulating Enninful and praising his approach to inclusivity and creativity.
Smith and Cowan began their relationship in late 2022 and have been together for nearly three years. They made a high-profile red carpet appearance as a couple at the Met Gala in May 2024. In a 2022 interview with GQ UK, Smith said they intended to keep their personal life private going forward, noting that public attention can complicate intimate relationships.
72 Magazine has promoted its debut by highlighting a conversation in the issue between Roberts and longtime friend George Clooney, in which they discuss fame, family and the durability of their friendship. The launch during New York Fashion Week brought a mix of fashion and entertainment figures to the event, and photographs of Smith and Cowan were widely circulated on social media and in coverage of the new title's first issue.
Representatives for Smith and Cowan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The appearance adds to a series of recent public outings for Smith, who continues to balance a high-profile music career with frequent visibility in fashion circles.