Singer Sam Smith, 34, has confirmed their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan, 32, after more than three years of dating. Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, shared the news in an interview with The New York Times on Tuesday, referring to Cowan as their fiancé.
Cowan's eye color is the inspiration for Smith's forthcoming album, "Hazel Eyes," scheduled for release on August 12. "For me, there's something radical about being queer in this time, in this world, and singing love songs," Smith told the newspaper. "I'm not going to allow the poison that I read and that I see to affect my way of loving." The five-time Grammy winner added that the album's lead track, "Everlasting Love," marks their first time writing songs about requited love.
The couple was reportedly overheard discussing their engagement before arriving at the Met Gala in May. An insider told PageSix that Cowan wore a large, square-cut yellow diamond ring by Cartier on his wedding finger at the time, which he also appeared to be wearing at the gala. Smith did not appear to be wearing a ring on their left hand during the event, which was covered by a sheer black glove.
"From what I understand, it was a private engagement," the eyewitness claimed, adding that Smith and Cowan are "over the moon" and "so in love."
Smith and Cowan began dating in late 2022 and made their relationship public in May 2024 with their Met Gala debut. Cowan, a UK-born designer, has dressed celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Paris Hilton.
Earlier in their relationship, rumors of a split circulated when a profile on the dating app Raya featuring photos of Smith appeared online. However, a source close to the singer denied the rumors, stating that the couple "are still very much in a relationship and haven't been on Raya."
Cowan designed Smith's elaborate black bejeweled opera coat for the Met Gala, which featured intricate beading and faux fur trim. The ensemble weighed approximately 52 pounds and was inspired by the opulence of the 1920s and the work of illustrator Erté, aligning with the gala's theme, "Fashion Is Art." The outfit was reportedly created with 255,000 individual crystals and beads and took 2,000 hours of hand-sewing. Smith described the look as "a massive workout" but said the heaviness kept them "more alert." They added, "There is no one who knows my body better than this man."
Cowan coordinated his attire with a beaded all-black suit. The couple walked the Metropolitan Museum of Art's iconic staircase together and mingled with other celebrities inside, including Madonna and Katy Perry. The 2024 Met Gala marked their third as a couple, with Cowan designing both of their looks each year.