CANNES WATCH: DiCaprio shells out $13,600 for a bag at charity gala

CANNES, France – Who knew Leonardo DiCaprio had an eye for Chanel bags?

The actor plunked down 10,000 euros ($13,620) for a blue Chanel Neoprene flap bag embroidered with flowers on the Croisette at Cannes on Monday night. But it was all for charity, part of an auction at the Heart Fund Gala, also attended by Paris Hilton, actor Gary Dourdan and featuring a performance by Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def). It was also for his mother; he told auctioneers he was getting it for her, said organizers.

DiCaprio outbid several suitors for the purse, but was himself outbid on two other items, including a vacation at one of the luxury resorts of Nikki Beach Worldwide.

Bey performed a brief set, during which he shouted out to DiCaprio.

The Heart Fund offers cardiovascular care across the globe for impoverished children. Heart surgeons have donated their services to perform costly operations.

Last year, with the support of Nikki Beach owners Jack and Lucia Penrod, the organization purchased a bus to act as a mobile hospital to screen and treat children; it was unveiled at this year’s gala.

This year’s goal is a plane outfitted with medical equipment to perform surgeries, and it was achieved as one benefactor donated 5 million euros ($6.8 million).

— By Nekesa Mumbi Moody, http://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi