The long-standing creative dialogue between Natsuko Shoji, the celebrated chef-owner of Été, and acclaimed graphic artist Verdy enters a new chapter for the 2026 Valentine’s season. Since their collaboration began in 2020, the duo has consistently blurred the lines between high gastronomy and contemporary art. This year, they introduce a sophisticated chocolate collection housed in a reimagined silver-based box featuring Verdy’s signature typography, offering a modern and refined interpretation of the holiday.

Shoji, who was recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2022, brings her meticulous culinary standard to the selection, utilizing premium ingredients sourced from Belgium. The chocolates themselves serve as a canvas for the collaboration, with both the Été and Girls Don’t Cry logos rendered in a striking blue hue. Among the twelve pieces included in the set, the nut-flavored chocolates remain a central highlight, having maintained an iconic status among followers of the brand since the collaboration’s inception.

The aesthetic of the collection is further elevated by the inclusion of a Bite Heart original shopper, mirroring the playful yet chic spirit of Verdy’s artwork. Every detail, from the choice of ingredients like hazelnuts and pistachios to the elegant ribbon finishing on the box, reflects the combined vision of Shoji’s culinary precision and Verdy’s cultural influence. Priced at ¥9,000 (tax included), the Été x Girls Don’t Cry chocolate box is available for reservation through the Omakase platform. As with previous releases from Shoji—whose seasonal fruit cakes are often referred to as “phantom cakes” due to their exclusivity—this Valentine’s edition is expected to be a highly sought-after item for those who appreciate the intersection of luxury food and global street culture.