KANYE WEST MOVES TO UK TO PURSUE FASHION CAREER

The American-born rapper has spent lengthy stints in Britain over the past year, but has now decided to base himself permanently in London.

Mega-rich Kanye, 34, held a party for his DW clothing label in the capital last week before flying back to the US for Christmas.

And he spent the event telling VIPs and staff at his firm that he loves being in London.

A source said: "He went home for the holidays but was proclaiming that he is now based in the capital and would return in early January.

"He's close to the lecturers and students at the Central Saint Martins College and being in London means he can stop by for advice any time. "He'll be over here preparing his Paris Fashion Week show, due in March. He's also been looking for a studio.

"While at the party Kanye was giving models his email address and cheekily asking them to send him photos."

Gold Digger star Kanye was raised in Chicago but moved to LA after finding fame.

Before attending his Christmas bash at The Embassy nightclub, the rapper took 15 employees for an extravagant meal and to watch Rihanna at the O2 Arena.

Kanye's fashion label, named after his late mother Donda, was launched in October. The collection received mixed reviews after its debut outing.-SUNUK