US rapper Kanye West is moving to London next year in order to follow his passion for fashion design, according to reports.

The rapper has apparently approached a number of fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, about beginning an internship.

The move could also prove invaluable for West's own fashion label Pastelle, which is due to launch in 2009.

A source told the Mirror newspaper: "Everyone is surprised at just how seriously Kanye is taking his fashion dream.

"He is always in the front rows during the Paris and Milan fashion weeks, chatting away to the likes of Lily Allen.

"He absolutely loves London and wants to absorb the fashion over here."

West forms part of a long line of hip-hop stars who have launched fashion lines, including Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams.

(by Jason Gregory)