Sam Smith is officially engaged to fashion designer Christian Cowan after more than three years of dating. The “Stay With Me” singer confirmed the milestone while discussing their forthcoming album, “Hazel Eyes,” revealing that Cowan’s eye color inspired the project’s romantic title. The engagement marks a new chapter for a couple who have largely kept their relationship private despite making several glamorous appearances together.
5Smith confirmed Cowan is now their fiancé in an interview with The New York Times published Tuesday. The 34-year-old musician, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, did not reveal exactly when Cowan proposed or provide details about their wedding plans.
However, Smith opened up about how their relationship has affected their music and approach to writing love songs. “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’s comments arrive as LGBTQ+ communities continue confronting political and cultural hostility. Rather than allowing that negativity to shape their art, Smith chooses to center on mutual love.
‘Hazel Eyes’ Was Inspired By Christian Cowan
5Smith’s fifth studio album, “Hazel Eyes,” is scheduled for release on August 21. The title directly references Cowan’s eye color, while the record reportedly traces the evolution of the couple’s relationship.
The album’s opening song, “Everlasting Love,” carries particularly personal significance. Smith began writing it the night before their first date with Cowan and completed it after their relationship had developed. The musician described the track as their first experience writing “about requited love.”
That represents a shift for Smith, whose catalog has frequently explored heartbreak, rejection, loneliness, and relationships that did not work out. With “Hazel Eyes,” the singer is drawing inspiration from a love that has been returned.
The project also connects Smith and Cowan’s respective creative worlds. Cowan previously designed costumes for Smith’s 2023 music video for “I’m Not Here to Make Friends,” blending his fashion background with his partner’s music.
Engagement Speculation Began At The Met Gala
5Rumors that Smith and Cowan were engaged began circulating in May after the couple attended the 2026 Met Gala together. The pair were reportedly overheard discussing their engagement at the Mark Hotel shortly before leaving for the star-studded event. “From what I understand, it was a private engagement,” an eyewitness claimed at the time, adding that Smith and Cowan were “over the moon” and “so in love.”
Cowan also wore a large, square yellow-diamond Cartier ring on his left hand in the evening, further fueling speculation. The couple wore matching Erté-inspired ensembles designed by Cowan. Smith’s dramatic look featured 255,000 individual crystals and beads and reportedly required 2,000 hours of hand sewing.
Sam Smith And Christian Cowan Began Dating In 2022
5Smith and Cowan were first romantically linked in December 2022 after attending the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act at the White House. They were subsequently photographed holding hands in New York and accompanying one another to various events. The couple made their official red carpet debut at the 2024 Met Gala, where they arrived in coordinated outfits.
One year into their relationship, Smith and Cowan faced speculation that they had separated after an account featuring the singer’s photographs surfaced on the exclusive dating app Raya. A source close to Smith denied the claims, insisting the couple “are still very much in a relationship and haven’t been on Raya.”
They continued making public appearances together after the rumors, including attending subsequent Met Galas and fashion events.
Christian Cowan Has Helped Sam Smith Express Their Confidence
5Cowan’s influence on Smith extends beyond inspiring their new album. The fashion designer has created custom outfits for the English singer, helping them express the confidence they have developed after years of struggling with body image.
In 2023, during the early stages of their romance, Smith said they were “happier than ever” in their own skin. They described the transformation as having “the opposite of body dysmorphia.”
Despite their increasing visibility as a couple, Smith has remained protective of the relationship’s more intimate details. The singer previously explained that past experiences taught them to avoid sharing too much about romantic relationships online.