Sam Smith Strikes a Stylish Note in Custom Outfit by Partner Christian Cowan at the 2026 Met Gala
Trending on Billboard
Attending the Met Gala is a standout experience, but wearing a creation made by your partner elevates it even further.
Sam Smith and their partner, designer Christian Cowan, made a striking entrance at the 2026 Met Gala, donning custom ensembles designed by Cowan. Their coordinating black couture looks were inspired by the 1920s illustrator and designer Erté, known for blending art and fashion in works that have graced the cover of Vogue.
Smith’s sculptural ensemble was a perfect representation of this year’s Met Gala theme, “Fashion is Art.” The outfit featured over 230,000 crystals and beads, painstakingly hand-applied by a team of 45 artisans over the course of 800 hours. Cowan’s outfit mirrored this aesthetic, boasting more than 25,000 hand-applied beads. Completing their looks, Smith wore a unique headpiece created in collaboration between Cowan and renowned milliner Stephen Jones, along with jewelry by Cartier.
Explore
Sam Smith
See latest videos, charts and news
In an Instagram post shared moments before the Vogue red carpet live stream, Smith provided a closer look at their couture, featuring a quote from Erté: “Art is not a thing; it’s a way.”
This appearance marks the third Met Gala for Smith and Cowan as a couple. After publicly confirming their relationship in 2023, the duo first graced the red carpet together at the 2024 event, wearing coordinated pieces by Cowan. They made a return in 2025 with complementary designs that celebrated the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
