Sam Smith may soon be walking down the aisle, as reports indicate the non-binary singer is now engaged to their fashion designer boyfriend, Christian Cowan. The 33-year-old musician, who uses they/them pronouns, and Cowan, 32, have been in a relationship for over three years.
Engagement Confirmed at the Met Gala
The couple confirmed their engagement just before arriving at Monday's Met Gala. An insider told PageSix on Tuesday that they were overheard discussing the proposal at New York City's Mark Hotel. Cowan, who designed both his and Smith's outfits for the 2026 gala, was reportedly wearing a large square-cut yellow diamond ring by Cartier on his wedding finger at the hotel. He was also seen wearing what appeared to be the same ring during the Met Gala. Smith, however, did not appear to be wearing a ring on their left hand, which was covered by a sheer black glove.
A Private Engagement
“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.” The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for both Smith and Cowan for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Relationship Timeline
The couple began dating in late 2022 but kept their romance private until May 2024, when they made their iconic Met Gala debut as a couple. Cowan, a UK-born fashion designer, has worked with A-list celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Paris Hilton. One year into their relationship, Smith and Cowan faced rumors of a split after an account on the exclusive dating app Raya featured photos of Smith. However, a source close to the singer shut down the speculation, insisting to the Daily Mail that the couple “are still very much in a relationship and haven't been on Raya.” Since then, they have mostly kept details of their relationship off social media.
Smith's Journey and Confidence
Smith began dating Cowan three years after coming out as non-binary, having identified as male for most of their life. In 2023, Smith told the Sunday Times that they are “happier than ever” in their own skin after years of struggling with body image. Cowan has helped boost Smith's confidence, which Smith describes as having “the opposite of body dysmorphia,” by creating custom outfits for the English superstar.
Met Gala Looks
For Monday's Met Gala, Cowan designed Smith a dramatic black bejeweled opera coat with intricate beading and faux fur trim. The look was completed with a feathered headpiece and sheer gloves. Smith also wore a sparkling diamond neckpiece and chandelier earrings. “This is the heaviest thing I've ever worn in my life. It's a massive workout,” Smith told Vogue on the red carpet, revealing the custom Cowan look weighed 52 pounds. They added that the heaviness kept them “more alert.” “There is no one who knows my body better than this man,” Smith said, gesturing to Cowan.
Cowan admitted that Smith had asked for a lighter look this year but he didn't listen. “Sam was like, 'Babe, please make something that's lighter weight.' And I didn't do that,” the designer shared with Vogue correspondent Emma Chamberlain. Cowan said the outfit was inspired by the 1920s and the opulence of that era, specifically illustrator Erté, tying into the gala's dress code of “Fashion Is Art.” Cowan coordinated with his rumored fiancé in a beaded all-black suit, dress shirt, and tie.
Inside the Gala
The couple held hands as they walked up the Metropolitan Museum of Art's iconic staircase, stopping to allow photographers to capture Smith. Once inside, Smith and Cowan mingled with fellow A-list stars, including Katy Perry and Madonna. The 2026 event marked their third Met Gala as a couple, with Cowan designing their looks all three years.
