Sam Smith has a major relationship update.
Smith is engaged to fashion designer Christian Cowan after more than three years of dating, according to an exclusive report from Page Six. The news surfaced amid the 2026 Met Gala, where the couple arrived together in coordinated black couture looks.
Cowan, 32, designed both of their Met Gala outfits for the evening, the “Unholy” singer, 33, said on Instagram.
The couple did not make a formal engagement announcement on the carpet. Instead, the reveal came through a few details before the event, including a conversation reportedly overheard at The Mark Hotel and a very noticeable ring on Cowan’s hand.
Page Six reported that Cowan wore a large square yellow diamond ring by Cartier on his ring finger while dressed in his own black couture look. The outlet also reported that the couple were overheard talking about their engagement before they stepped onto the red carpet.
Sam Smith and Christian Cowan’s Engagement Was Reportedly Discussed Before the Met Gala
GettyThe Mark Hotel is one of the biggest pre-Met Gala spots in New York City. Celebrities often leave from the hotel before heading to the carpet, so it’s usually packed with cameras, stylists, security, and fashion teams.
For the “Stay With Me” singer and Cowan, the hotel moment came with a personal detail.
GettyA “hotel lobby spy” for Page Six that the couple were heard discussing their engagement before the gala.
“From what I understand, it was a private engagement,” the source said, according to the outlet. “They are over the moon, and from what I hear, so in love!”
Page Six also reports that a second source confirmed Smith and Cowan are engaged.
The ring detail added another layer to the moment. Cowan wore the yellow diamond ring with his Met Gala outfit, which he designed as part of a matching look with the “I’m Not the Only One” singer.
The couple’s outfits were inspired by Erté, the artist known for glamorous Art Deco fashion illustrations. After the event, the five-time Grammy winner shared photos from the night on Instagram and used Cowan’s words in the caption to explain the concept behind the look.
“I have always loved Erté. I love the way he brought costume art to the world through his visionary illustrations,” the caption read.
Cowan also described the scale of the design work behind the outfits.
“The infamous 1920s opulence and craft. 255,000 individual crystals and beads. 2,000 hours of artisanal hand sewing,” the caption continued. “This look is a love letter to the king of fashion illustration, and to my love, Sam.”
Sam Smith and Christian Cowan Started Dating in 2022
GettySmith and Cowan’s relationship first became public in December 2022, according to Page Six.
Their first known outing was not a typical celebrity date night. They were seen at the White House during then-President Joe Biden’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act, a law recognizing same-sex and interracial marriages at the federal level.
After that, the couple became more visible together. Page Six reported that they were seen spending time in New York City, going to tattoo appointments, and showing up at fashion events.
The pair made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2024 Met Gala in coordinated outfits. They returned to the event in 2025, then came back again in 2026 with another matching look—and a ring to boot.
