I don't understand why people are complaining about this character being sexualized. She's wearing what appears to be some very modest Edwardian era dresswear, and aside from her height, her proportions are realistic. She's an attractive character, sure - but she isn't overtly sexualized beyond the fashion of her time.
As far as the fan reaction goes. I think it's time people acknowledged that human beings are sexual creatures, and are bound to be interested in, and excited by, virtually everything - especially things that are novel. People might be fetishizing her height, but it isn't being done in a derogatory fashion, and it isn't being directed towards anyone.
I swear, sometimes I think certain people wished that everyone would just "behave". But that isn't realistic either. Let people have a little bit of fun. Nobody is trying to hurt anyone else's feelings here.