The streets of Rome were transformed into a runway on August 24, 2025, as Kim Kardashian and her 12-year-old daughter, North West, stepped out for a glamorous mother-daughter dinner at the upscale Pierluigi Restaurant. The duo, known for their trendsetting style and larger-than-life presence, turned heads with their coordinated black outfits, but it was one unexpected detail that sent fans into a frenzy: at 44, Kim Kardashian’s radiant beauty and flawless physique were said to outshine her daughter, a budding fashion icon in her own right. The striking contrast between the reality star’s ageless allure and North’s bold, youthful energy sparked heated debates online, with social media ablaze over Kim’s ability to steal the spotlight despite being three decades older.

Kim, the Skims founder and media mogul, has long been a global fashion icon, known for her daring red-carpet looks and meticulous attention to style. Her appearance in Rome was no exception, as she commanded attention in a sleek, black silk dress that hugged her curves like a second skin. The dress, featuring a daringly low neckline and sheer panels at the hem, revealed a peek of a lace bra and showcased her toned legs, a testament to her disciplined fitness routine. She accessorized with strappy black heels, a diamond-encrusted choker, and a bejeweled crucifix necklace that added a touch of elegance to the sultry ensemble. Her makeup was understated yet striking, with a natural glow, perfectly contoured cheeks, and a nude lip that highlighted her timeless beauty. Fans were quick to note that Kim, at 44, looked as youthful and vibrant as ever, with many declaring her appearance a masterclass in defying age.

North, the eldest daughter of Kim and ex-husband Kanye West, was equally eye-catching, proving she’s inherited her parents’ flair for fashion. Sporting vibrant blue ombre pigtails that cascaded down her back, the 12-year-old embraced a goth-glam aesthetic with a black corset top, a metallic blue and black lace miniskirt, and towering Vetements x New Rock platform boots retailing for over $2,000. She completed the look with a Vivienne Westwood heart-shaped handbag, Chrome Hearts glasses, and bold makeup featuring glossy mauve lips and burgundy lip liner. North’s confident strut and maximalist style drew comparisons to her aunt Kylie Jenner’s “King Kylie” era, cementing her status as a rising style icon. Together, the mother-daughter duo danced through the streets in a TikTok video set to Destroy Lonely’s “If Looks Could Kill,” showcasing their bond and shared love for fashion.

Yet, it was the side-by-side comparison of Kim and North that ignited a firestorm online. Fans and critics alike were stunned by Kim’s ability to hold her own—some said surpass—her preteen daughter in the beauty stakes. Social media platforms erupted with comments like, “Kim at 44 is outshining North at 12? That’s insane!” and “How does she look THAT good next to a kid in her prime?” The debate centered on Kim’s ageless appearance, with her sculpted figure, flawless skin, and poised demeanor making her look more like North’s older sister than her mother. One viral tweet summed it up: “Kim Kardashian is 44 and serving looks like she’s 24. North is a star, but Kim’s stealing the show!” The sentiment, while celebratory for Kim, sparked a mix of admiration and controversy, with some questioning the fairness of comparing a mother and her young daughter.

The outing came during a whirlwind summer for Kim, who has been balancing her business empire, parenting duties, and high-profile appearances. Fresh off a family vacation in Cabo San Lucas with her younger children—Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6—and a star-studded trip to Italy for Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ wedding, Kim’s Rome adventure with North was a chance to focus on their close bond. The duo’s shared TikTok account, boasting nearly 20 million followers, has become a platform for their playful dynamic, with North often stealing the show with her sassy comments and creative flair. Kim has praised North as her “big critiquer” in fashion, noting at the 2025 Met Gala that her daughter’s advice—often blunt—helps her stay authentic. Their Rome dinner, filled with laughter and coordinated poses, was a testament to their inseparable connection.

However, the spotlight on Kim’s youthful beauty wasn’t without backlash. Some fans expressed concern over the narrative pitting mother against daughter, arguing it placed undue pressure on North, who is still navigating her preteen identity. “North is 12 and already a fashion icon—why are we comparing her to Kim? Let her be a kid!” one Instagram user wrote. Others criticized Kim’s parenting, pointing to North’s mature outfit as inappropriate for her age. The corset and miniskirt combo, paired with heavy makeup, drew comments like, “Kim’s letting a 12-year-old dress like she’s 20. It’s too much.” On Reddit, users debated the influence of the Kardashian brand, with one commenter noting, “This is what happens when your mom is Kris Jenner’s daughter—style comes before age-appropriateness.” Yet, defenders of North’s look argued she’s expressing herself in a family that thrives on bold aesthetics, with one fan tweeting, “North’s killing it with her vibe. She’s Kanye and Kim’s kid—what did you expect?”

The controversy echoed similar discussions about Kim’s parenting, particularly her decision to allow North to be photographed by paparazzi. Critics accused her of orchestrating media moments, with one Reddit user stating, “Kim knows the cameras are there—she’s turning North’s childhood into a spectacle.” Supporters countered that North, born into fame, is carving her own path, with her fashion choices reflecting her personality and influences like her father’s Yeezy brand and Tyler, the Creator’s eclectic style. Kim herself addressed North’s fashion sense in a 2024 interview, sharing that her daughter loves “streetwear and 90s vibes,” citing Kanye and Tyler as inspirations. North’s blue hair, first debuted in June 2025, has become a signature, with fans praising her confidence while others worry about the health of her hair after such bold dyeing.

Kim’s ability to outshine her daughter, however, became the focal point, reigniting conversations about her beauty regimen and lifestyle. At 44, Kim’s dedication to fitness—daily workouts with trainer Senada Greca—and skincare, including her Skkn by Kim line, has kept her in peak form. Her Rome look, with its sleek silhouette and minimal yet impactful accessories, was a reminder of her fashion influence, from Balenciaga campaigns to Met Gala moments. Fans marveled at her discipline, with one X post reading, “Kim’s 44, running a billion-dollar empire, raising four kids, and still looks like that? Iconic.” Others speculated about cosmetic enhancements, though Kim has maintained that her look is the result of hard work and strategic styling. The crucifix necklace, a nod to her Armenian heritage, added a personal touch, grounding her glamorous appearance in cultural significance.

The Rome outing also highlighted the Kardashian-West family’s global influence. North, already a media darling with cameos in Kanye’s fashion shows and a role in PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, is stepping into her own spotlight. Her TikTok presence, where she’s dubbed “Miss Westie,” showcases her humor and creativity, from trolling Kim’s “social media voice” to recreating her mother’s Balenciaga tape look. Yet, the comparison to Kim underscored a broader narrative: the pressure of growing up in a family where beauty and fame are currency. “North is stunning, but Kim at 44 is a whole other level,” one fan commented, while another added, “It’s not fair to compare them, but Kim’s glow is unreal.”

As the debate rages on, Kim and North’s Rome night remains a cultural moment. The mother-daughter duo’s stylish strut through the Eternal City, captured in viral photos and TikToks, was a celebration of their bond and individuality. But it’s Kim’s ageless beauty—polished, poised, and undeniably captivating—that has fans talking, proving that at 44, she’s still setting the standard. Whether it’s admiration for her glow or concern for North’s childhood, one thing is clear: Kim and North know how to make the world stop and stare.