Exploring China Chow’s Captivating Romance With Mark Wahlberg: A Nostalgic Look Back

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Remember China Chow? My husband used to have a really huge crush on her back when we were still in college (oops, there goes my age).

She dated Mark Wahlberg for about four years, starting after they met on the set of the 1998 film “The Big Hit.” Their high-profile romance was documented in tabloids and media articles throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

China Chow and Mark Wahlberg dated for approximately four years, starting around the time of their collaboration in the 1998 film "The Big Hit."China Chow and Mark Wahlberg dated for approximately four years, starting around their collaboration in the 1998 film “The Big Hit” (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

China Chow’s dating history includes relationships with Billy Idol from April 2018, Keanu Reeves in 2009, Steve Coogan from 2007 to 2011, and Mark Wahlberg from 1997 to 2000. She is also rumored to have had a connection with Jared Leto.

In her interview with SFGate, China Chow discussed her experiences working with Mark Wahlberg before he gained widespread respect as an actor following “Boogie Nights.” She addressed common misconceptions about Wahlberg, emphasizing that their romantic relationship began after they collaborated on “The Big Hit.”

Chow highlighted Wahlberg’s charming, down-to-earth, and focused nature, and she dispelled his “bad-boy” image, describing him as a person close to his mother and fundamentally different from his public persona.

Mark Wahlberg posing with his girlfriend China Chow alongside James Caan in 1998Mark Wahlberg posing with his girlfriend China Chow alongside James Caan in 1998 (Credit: Startraksphoto)

China Chow’s Fashion Sense at Vogue Eyewear Event

In September 2011, the British-born American actress and model was sighted when she attended the 2nd Annual Capsule Collection launch for Vogue Eyewear in New York City.

China Chow radiates elegance at the Vogue Eyewear 2nd Annual Capsule Collection launch in NYC, September 2011China Chow radiates elegance at the Vogue Eyewear 2nd Annual Capsule Collection launch in NYC, September 2011 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

She was fabulously decked in checks, and I love how she pulled it off nicely.

China Chow at the launch of the 2nd Annual Capsule Collection for Vogue Eyewear at the Sunglass Hut flagship store in New York CityChina Chow at the launch of the 2nd Annual Capsule Collection for Vogue Eyewear at the Sunglass Hut flagship store in New York City on September 27, 2011 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

China wore a checkered black and white sheer blouse paired with black trousers and pumps and capped off her look with an equally checkered black and white oversized clutch:

Style icon: China Chow makes a bold statement with her checkered black and white oversized clutchStyle icon: China Chow makes a bold statement with her checkered black and white oversized clutch (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

What do you think of China’s style? Cute, right? It’s very simple but with a bold statement. For the most part, the clutch is really doing all the talking. I love how striking it looks; black-white is always the best combination – classic, timeless, and infinitely stunning.

Unfortunately, I could not find a similar clutch online, so if you want to copy the look she put together here, you can do so by settling for this silver and beige checkered clutch from Pilar Abril instead. Pair it with a checkered or sheer button-down, black trousers, and some pumps, and you’re all set!

Clutch: Pilar Abril Petunia, $58 / Checkered Top: RVCA Down the Line, $39 / Pants: Not Your Daughters Jeans Janet Tab Welt Ankle Trouser, $90 / Sheer Top: Type Z Nasha, $53Clutch: Pilar Abril Petunia, $58 / Checkered Top: RVCA Down the Line, $39 / Pants: Not Your Daughters Jeans Janet Tab Welt Ankle Trouser, $90 / Sheer Top: Type Z Nasha, $53