Rihanna is planning to launch herself as a serious fashion designer.

The 'Rude Boy' hitmaker's company Roraj Trade LLC registered and trademarked '$CHOOL KILLS' in New York last month under the categories 'leather products' and 'clothing products' and the move reportedly marks the beginning of a foray into a new career path for the singer, starting with accessories.

A source said: ''$CHOOL KILLS will be an accessories range covering everything from tote bags to purses and, later on, fashion.

''She still loves the music and it's what launched her, but this is her focus right now.''

Rihanna - who is rumoured to have scrapped her forthcoming eighth album, 'R8' - has been planning to make the move into fashion for some time.

The source added: ''Rihanna has already had a successful clothing line with River Island and is not limiting herself to just music and touring for the rest of her life.

''She will continue to release singles and albums, but she's had plans in place to expand in other areas, like fashion, for a good few years now.''

And the 27-year-old beauty - who was pictured wearing a T-shirt sporting the slogan 'School Kills' last month - hopes her accessories line will be the perfect start to a global ''empire''.

The source told Grazia magazine: ''Rihanna has plans to create a fashion empire. She sees herself as a completely unique brand and the last year has been all about setting herself up for this.''