Sam Smith quietly confirms they’re engaged to fashion designer Christian Cowan
Christian Cowan and Sam Smith (Image: Getty Images)
Sam Smith has confirmed they are engaged to fashion designer Christian Cowan, saying there is “something radical” about singing queer love songs “in this time, in this world”.
The 34-year-old casually shared the news in a New York Times interview while discussing their forthcoming album, Hazel Eyes, telling writer Melena Ryzik that Cowan was their fiancé.
Smith, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, said Cowan, 32, is their fiancé. They also revealed the album’s title was inspired by Cowan’s eye colour, with Hazel Eyes set for release on 12 August.
Speaking about writing and performing openly about queer love, Smith said: “For me, there’s something radical about being queer in this time, in this world, and singing love songs.” They added: “I’m not going to allow the poison that I read and that I see to affect my way of loving.”
Smith also said the album’s lead track, “Everlasting Love”, is the first time they have written songs about “requited love”.
Engagement rumours
Smith and Cowan are believed to have started dating in late 2022, before making their romance public with a Met Gala debut in May 2024.
In May 2026, the pair were reportedly overheard discussing an engagement before arriving at the Met Gala at New York City’s Mark Hotel, according to Page Six.
Around the same time, Cowan was reported to have worn diamond ring from Cartier on his ring finger, while Smith’s hand was covered with a glove.
Smith has been a high-profile voice on gender identity and pronoun respect in mainstream media, and has also spoken openly about body image and mental health. They are also a frequent fashion-world presence.
On the 2026 Met Gala red carpet, Smith told Vogue: “This is the heaviest thing I’ve ever worn in my life. It’s a massive workout,” adding: “There is no one who knows my body better than this man,” as they gestured to Cowan.
In a joint Instagram post, Cowan said the ensemble featured “255,000 individual crystals and beads” and “2,000 hours of artisanal hand sewing,” adding: “This look is a love letter to the king of fashion illustration, and to my love, Sam.”
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