Sam Smith attended the 2026 Met Gala in New York City wearing a custom black look designed by their partner, Christian Cowan.
The outfit was built around an Erté inspired showgirl silhouette, with a mermaid shape, a textured collar, and sleeves that extended outward with a wing like effect. Smith completed the look with a tall feathered headpiece designed by Stephen Jones.
The appearance fit the evening’s Fashion Is Art dress code, which connected the red carpet to the Costume Institute’s 2026 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Smith also served on the event’s host committee, alongside a larger group of public figures tied to fashion, music, film, and culture.
The 2026 appearance marked Smith’s second Met Gala. They first attended in 2024, also wearing Christian Cowan. That earlier look included a black tuxedo, a sheer chiffon skirt overlay, and a gold rose detail.
Cowan and Smith have made several public fashion appearances together, often using the red carpet to highlight custom design.