North West modelling for Kim Kardashian's Skims campaign sparks major debate

Kim Kardashian's 12-year-old daughter North West has triggered a fiery debate online, after modelling for her mother's latest shape and loungewear line.

In pics and clips that have gone viral online, the preteen can be seen striking a pose in a two-piece hoodie and sweatpants set, featuring a teddy bear pictured across the front, and the brand name 'SKIMS' splashed across the middle.

North's appearance comes as part of mum Kim's team-up with the fashion label Cactus Plant Flea Market for a brand new festive collaboration, set to launch later this week (20 November).

The mother-of-four - who shares North, another daughter and two sons with rap star ex-husband Kanye West - previously gushed over the prospect of partnering up with her eldest, describing the shoot to Entertainment Tonight as 'really special'.

North modelled a SKIMS tracksuit on social media (Instagram/@skims)

"I think it's just in her blood and who she is and what she loves to do," Kim, 45, remarked. "So, it's a fine line as a parent to figure that out together."⁠

Hordes of reality TV fans quickly took to the comments of North's social media modelling debut, praising the youngster for following in her father's fashion-forward footsteps, and inheriting her mother's camera-ready confidence.

"North is growing up so fast! I didn't even realise this was her at first (in the best way!)," one Instagram user gushed.

Another noted: "Aww she looks so much like Kim here."

"Beautiful mix of Mom and dad with dad’s personality!" a third continued.

"She is just a gorgeous kiddo," wrote another.

A number of critics believe North is too young for a modelling career (Instagram/@skims)

But not everyone is thrilled by the prospect of a not-yet-teen taking on such a high-profile career move, with some users complaining that North is 'too young' to be featured in a modelling campaign.

"Why is this girl never in school?" one questioned. "Like I never see her in regular school clothes."

Another demanded: "SKIMS at 12?"

"Urgh this feels so gross, she's 12?" a third complained, while a fourth went on to allege: "Kids can't even be kids anymore."

A fourth added: "So much make up for a 12 year old."

This is far from the first time that mum Kim has come under fire for her daughter's controversial fashion decisions.

Kim has come under fire for North's fashion choices before (TikTok/@kimandnorth)

Back in October, North shared a TikTok video donning electric blue braids, matching blue eye contacts, false lashes, silver grillz, a fake nose piercing and a handful of facial tattoos.

Despite emphasising in the caption that the latter two accessories were 'fake', Kim came under fire for her daughter's aesthetic, with one social media user hitting out: "Face tattoos at 12?"

Another added: "I'm sorry but isn't this too much for a 12 year old? I mean let kids be kids. 12 come on!"

Weeks later, North debuted two dermal piercings, which had been embedded into her fingers.

Given that this specific body modification carries 'a high risk of complications' and 'requires meticulous aftercare', both the youngster and her mother faced mass backlash online.

North shared a video of the piercing on TikTok last week (TikTok/@kimandnorth)

One commenter claimed: "I couldn't imagine giving my 12-year-old permission to have dermal and surface piercings like this, especially with the complications that come with them."

"The potential for serious injury with this piercing is so unnecessarily high," another added of the medical complexities. "Infection, rejection, nerve damage. A 12 year old is not mature enough to care for this piercing responsibly."

Tyla contacted Kim's reps for comment.