Sam Smith has already turned their relationship with Christian Cowan into music. Now the fashion designer is beginning to think about their wedding—and one part of the celebration is particularly important to him.
The cake needs to be big.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala on October 1, Cowan explained that wedding preparations were still at a very early stage. He was beginning to get organized, rather than unveiling a finished plan.
But he already knew one essential: “You’ve got to have a major cake.” He also made clear that he likes plenty of tiers.
There is a family connection behind his familiarity with weddings. Cowan’s mother was a wedding planner, and he grew up around other people’s celebrations. Now he gets to consider what he and Smith want for their own.
The couple were first publicly linked in late 2022 and made their red-carpet debut together at the 2024 Met Gala. Their relationship has brought together music and fashion, with Cowan designing looks for Smith as well as accompanying them to public events.
A yellow diamond ring worn by Cowan at this year’s Met Gala prompted engagement speculation. Smith subsequently confirmed in July that they were engaged.
The relationship is also central to Smith’s album Hazel Eyes, whose title references Cowan’s eyes. Speaking to The New Yorker, Smith described the record as a love letter to him and praised his encouragement during its creation.
It is an affectionate glimpse of the partnership behind the public appearances: an artist making music inspired by the person they love, and that person supporting the work as it takes shape.
Now Cowan’s latest comments offer another small glimpse of their next chapter. The planning is beginning, and his enthusiasm for an impressive cake supplies a wonderfully ordinary detail amid the red carpets and album releases.
For now, the update is a wedding wish rather than a detailed announcement. But an album inspired by their relationship and a cake with multiple tiers sound like a promising combination.
📷 @samsmith
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