A striking photograph of a teenager at the Louvre on the day of a high-profile crown jewels heist has captured the attention of millions. Fifteen-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, now widely known as “Fedora Man,” chose to remain an enigma instead of rushing to clarify his unexpected fame. The image, taken by Associated Press photographer Thibault Camus, features Pedro strolling past police officers shortly after the theft, which occurred in March 2025, leaving many to speculate about his identity and role in the incident.
Pedro lives in Rambouillet, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Paris, with his parents and grandfather. A fan of classic detective stories, he found it amusing to let the mystery around his identity unfold. “I didn’t want to say immediately it was me,” he explained. “With this photo, there is a mystery, so you have to make it last.”
The Image That Sparked a Viral Sensation
The photograph has taken on a life of its own, leading to various theories about who Pedro might be. Described as an old-school detective or even an AI-generated character, his sharp attire—a three-piece suit and fedora—added to the intrigue. “In the photo, I’m dressed more in the 1940s, and we are in 2025,” he noted, acknowledging the striking contrast that fueled speculation about his origins.
Initially, even some of Pedro’s relatives hesitated to recognize him until they spotted his mother in the background. “The internet’s favorite fake detective was a real boy,” he remarked. The reality is that Pedro, along with his family, had simply intended to visit the Louvre, unaware that it had been closed due to the heist. “We wanted to go to the Louvre, but it was closed. We didn’t know there was a heist,” he recalled.
When the photograph was taken, Pedro was oblivious to the unfolding drama. Four days later, his friend alerted him to the image’s popularity, which had garnered over five million views. “I was a bit surprised,” he admitted, noting that even The New York Times featured him in their coverage.
A Unique Style and Perspective
Pedro’s distinctive fashion sense, which includes the fedora reserved for special occasions, has become a hallmark of his personality. He began dressing this way less than a year ago, inspired by 20th-century history and classic film imagery. “I like to be chic,” he stated, explaining that he often wears a three-piece suit to school, standing out in a sea of casual attire. “One of my friends came this week with a tie,” he added, indicating that his style is beginning to influence his peers.
The attention he has received has not only made him a topic of conversation but has also prompted him to reflect on the nature of celebrity. “People said, ‘You’ve become a star,’” he recounted, still astonished by how quickly a single photo can lead to viral fame.
Pedro’s mother, Félicité Garzon Delvaux, a curator and artist who grew up in an 18th-century museum-palace, has always encouraged his appreciation for art. “Life without art is not life,” she remarked, reinforcing the idea that the world of creativity has always been part of their everyday life.
As Pedro embraces his newfound fame, he remains open to future opportunities. “I’m waiting for people to contact me for films,” he said with a grin. “That would be very funny.”
In a narrative filled with theft and intrigue, “Fedora Man” stands out as a symbol of youthful curiosity and style. Meeting him confirms that beneath the viral image lies a relatable teenager who enjoys art, style, and the thrill of a good mystery. “I’m a star,” he mused, not as a boast, but as a playful acknowledgment of his unique journey. “I’ll keep dressing like this. It’s my style.”
