Kim Kardashian and her 12-year-old daughter, North West, turned heads during a recent outing in Rome, Italy, but not all the attention was positive. The mother-daughter duo, known for their larger-than-life presence, sparked heated debate online after North stepped out in an outfit that many deemed too mature for her age. The controversy has ignited discussions about parenting, age-appropriate fashion, and the pressures of growing up in the spotlight.

On a balmy Sunday evening, August 24, 2025, Kim and North were spotted strolling through the streets of Rome, heading to a dinner at the chic Pierluigi restaurant. North, the eldest child of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, wore a striking ensemble: a short skirt paired with a corset-style top that accentuated her figure, completed with black boots. Her vibrant green hair and confident demeanor made her stand out, with her height already surpassing her mother’s. Kim, ever the fashion icon, complemented her daughter in a sultry, low-cut black dress that highlighted her signature curves. Both sported sleek silver jewelry, embracing a coordinated, edgy aesthetic.

While the pair’s fashionable appearance initially drew admiration, it wasn’t long before social media erupted with criticism. North’s outfit, particularly the corset, became the focal point of contention. Many fans and followers expressed discomfort with the 12-year-old’s attire, arguing it was inappropriate for her age. Comments flooded Instagram, with one user bluntly stating, “Kim, she’s only 12.” Another remarked, “I love Kim and North, but a corset on a 12-year-old? That’s a no from me.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with phrases like “This isn’t okay, Kim” and “Let her keep her innocence” circulating widely. A fashion designer, known for creating performance wear for dancers, weighed in, noting that while the skirt and boots were fine, the corset felt “a bit too much” for a preteen.

The backlash didn’t stop at the clothing. Observers pointed out that North’s overall style—complete with bold accessories, dyed hair, and manicured nails—seemed to age her beyond her years. “She’s 12 but looks 18. That’s not a good thing,” one commenter wrote. Another questioned, “Is she 12 or 32?” The sentiment reflected a broader concern about the influence of celebrity culture on young children, particularly those growing up under the constant gaze of the public eye.

Despite the criticism, not everyone agreed that Kim’s parenting choices warranted scrutiny. Some defended her, arguing that every parent has the right to raise their child as they see fit. “People need to stop judging how others parent,” one supporter wrote. “Kim knows what’s best for North.” This divide highlights the polarized nature of public opinion when it comes to celebrity families, where every decision is magnified and dissected.

North West, born in 2013, is no stranger to the limelight. As the eldest of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s four children, she has already carved out her own space in the entertainment world. A budding TikToker and rapper, North co-manages a TikTok account with her mother, “Kim and North,” which boasts over 19 million followers. Her creative pursuits and confident persona have made her a fan favorite, but they’ve also placed her at the center of debates about how much exposure is too much for a child her age.

Kim Kardashian, a billionaire entrepreneur and media mogul, has long been a polarizing figure. Her fashion choices, business ventures, and parenting decisions are constantly under scrutiny. This isn’t the first time she and ex-husband Kanye West have faced criticism over their parenting. The former couple, who divorced in 2022, share custody of their four children: North, Saint (9), Chicago (7), and Psalm (6). However, tensions have surfaced in the past regarding their differing views on raising their kids. Kanye has publicly criticized Kim for allowing North to use social media and wear makeup, while Kim has expressed frustration over Kanye’s decision to involve North in music projects with controversial figures.

The Rome outing has reignited questions about the balance between self-expression and age-appropriate boundaries. For Kim, who has built an empire on bold fashion and unapologetic individuality, North’s outfit may reflect an extension of her own brand. Yet, the public’s reaction underscores a broader cultural conversation about protecting childhood innocence in an era where social media amplifies every choice.

As of now, Kim’s team has not addressed the controversy, leaving the debate to simmer online. Whether this moment will prompt a shift in how Kim navigates North’s public image remains to be seen. For now, the mother-daughter duo continues to command attention, sparking both admiration and critique in equal measure. What’s clear is that North West, at just 12, is already a force to be reckoned with—navigating fame, fashion, and the complexities of growing up in one of the world’s most famous families.