A 15-year-old boy who became an international sensation following a photograph taken during the recent Louvre heist has chosen to embrace his role as a mystery figure. Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, captured mid-stride in an Associated Press photo, has opted not to reveal his identity immediately, instead enjoying the intrigue surrounding the image dubbed “Fedora Man.” This decision has drawn millions of online views and a plethora of theories about his character.
Pedro lives with his parents and grandfather in Rambouillet, a town located 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Paris. He is a fan of detective stories, particularly those featuring Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Rather than rush to clarify his identity, he stated, “With this photo there is a mystery, so you have to make it last.”
The Photo and Its Impact
The striking image that sparked this fascination features Pedro in a sharply tailored three-piece suit, a fedora perched jauntily on his head, as he walks past police officers attending to a crime scene just hours after thieves executed a daylight raid on the French crown jewels. The photo, taken by AP photographer Thibault Camus, unintentionally transformed Pedro into a global curiosity, leading to various interpretations of his role, ranging from detective to an AI-generated character.
“In the photo, I’m dressed more in the 1940s, and we are in 2025,” he noted, highlighting the visual contrast that fueled speculation. Even friends and family were initially skeptical until they recognized his mother in the background of the image, confirming that the internet’s favorite detective was indeed a real teenager.
Pedro and his family had visited the Louvre that day unaware of the heist. “We wanted to go to the Louvre, but it was closed,” he explained. They approached police officers for information, leading to the moment captured by Camus’ camera. “When the picture was taken, I didn’t know; I was just passing through.” Four days later, news of his viral fame reached him through a friend who informed him about the five million views the photo had garnered.
Becoming “Fedora Man”
The sudden fame surprised him, especially when his mother informed him that his image had been featured in the New York Times. “It’s not every day,” he remarked, reflecting on the attention he received from relatives and friends across the globe, including cousins in Colombia and friends in Austria.
Interestingly, Pedro’s fashion choices were not a mere costume for the museum visit. He has been dressing in this manner for less than a year, inspired by the elegance of 20th-century history and classic detective imagery. “I like to be chic,” he said, noting that he often wears a three-piece suit to school, standing out in a sea of casual attire. The fedora, reserved for special occasions, adds a unique touch to his style.
As he navigates his newfound popularity, Pedro has remained relaxed about the possibilities that lie ahead. “I’m waiting for people to contact me for films,” he said with a grin, highlighting his lighthearted approach to the situation. He sees the role of “Fedora Man” as a fun experiment rather than a burden, stating, “I’ll keep dressing like this. It’s my style.”
In a world often characterized by crime and chaos, Pedro embodies a refreshing narrative of youthful curiosity and creativity. His story serves as a reminder that even in the aftermath of a heist, there can be an enchanting twist, transforming a simple moment into a symbol of intrigue. As he continues to navigate his unexpected fame, one thing is clear: the world is eager to see where his journey will lead next.
