UK singing icon Lily Allen has shocked the music world by announcing she plans to quit the industry to focus on a career in fashion.

Allen told British Radio 1′s Sara Cox this week that she was planning to take a time-out from music for ‘at least one or two years’ in the hope of pursuing a fashion career.

The 24 year old, who has previously starred in Chanel ads and performed at the label’s most recent fashion show, has had a history of promoting some cutting edge designers and cutting-edge designers and some established luxury brands in the past.

It is believed she now plans on dedicating her time to the boutique side of the industry with her sister.

Allen hopes to open a label called Lucy in Disguise and accompany it with a store that will enable shoppers not only to buy clothes but also to hire or rent them, a concept already existent on some online shopping destinations and upscale vintage shops.

Allen said the idea was about making clothes affordable to the general public.

“It’s about getting really nice clothes but letting people rent them for affordable prices,” she said.

“So they can go out and feel like a million dollars and it won’t cost them a million dollars.”

The idea is part of a growing ‘democratization’ trend in fashion, which has an increasing number of designers taking steps towards widening their reach among the masses.

Allen also plans to launch a record label and test her acting skills during her break. Her last gig before the hiatus will take place alongside rapper Dizzee Rascal at London’s O2 Arena next March.