The recent heist of French crown jewels at the Louvre has turned a teenage boy into an unexpected international sensation. On the day of the theft, 15-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux unknowingly became part of the story when a photograph of him, dubbed “Fedora Man,” went viral. Instead of rushing to reveal his identity, Garzon Delvaux chose to embrace the intrigue surrounding the image, which has garnered millions of views online.
Living with his parents and grandfather in Rambouillet, located approximately 30 kilometers from Paris, Garzon Delvaux is a fan of classic detective stories. He relished the opportunity to add a layer of mystery to his newfound fame. “I didn’t want to say immediately it was me,” he remarked. “With this photo, there is a mystery, so you have to make it last.”
In his first in-person interview since the photograph catapulted him into the spotlight, Garzon Delvaux appeared dressed similarly to the image that captured public attention. He wore a fedora hat, an Yves Saint Laurent waistcoat borrowed from his father, and a jacket chosen by his mother. His attire pays homage to Jean Moulin, a hero of the French Resistance.
The photograph, taken by Thibault Camus, depicts Garzon Delvaux walking past police officers near the Louvre, shortly after the thieves executed their brazen daytime raid. The image, intended to document a crime scene, features a sharp-dressed figure against the backdrop of a significant incident, igniting speculation and intrigue online.
As the internet dubbed him “Fedora Man,” theories about his identity ranged from an old-fashioned detective to an artificial intelligence creation. Garzon Delvaux understood the confusion, stating, “In the photo, I’m dressed more in the 1940s, and we are in 2025. There is a contrast.” Even acquaintances in his life questioned his identity until they spotted his mother in the background of the photograph.
The reality behind the viral sensation is less dramatic. Garzon Delvaux, along with his family, had come to visit the Louvre, unaware of the heist occurring that day. “We wanted to go to the Louvre, but it was closed,” he explained. After inquiring about the situation, he unknowingly walked into a scene being captured by Camus. “When the picture was taken, I didn’t know,” he reflected. “I was just passing through.”
Four days later, an acquaintance reached out to him, asking if he was the person in the photograph. Surprised to learn it had amassed over five million views, Garzon Delvaux experienced a whirlwind of attention. His family and friends from places as far as Colombia and Austria reached out, expressing their astonishment. “People said, ‘You’ve become a star,'” he recalled.
Interestingly, Garzon Delvaux’s distinctive style is not a mere costume for the occasion. He began dressing in this manner less than a year ago, inspired by 20th-century history and classic imagery. “I like to be chic,” he stated, noting that he often wears a three-piece suit to school, standing out in a sea of casual attire. His fedora, reserved for special occasions, has become a part of his identity.
His mother, Felicite Garzon Delvaux, raised him in an environment where art is pivotal. Growing up in an 18th-century museum-palace, she instilled in her son the belief that “art and museums are living spaces.” Garzon Delvaux recognizes how the power of a single image can capture public imagination and chose to let the narrative develop before stepping into the light.
After several days of silence, he transitioned his Instagram account from private to public, allowing curious minds to discover his identity. “People had to try to find who I am,” he said, and soon after, journalists began to contact him. “They were extremely surprised,” he noted, when they learned he was just a teenager.
As he contemplates his next steps, Garzon Delvaux maintains a laid-back attitude. “I’m waiting for people to contact me for films,” he said with a grin. In a narrative filled with theft and security breaches, his story presents a refreshing counterpoint—a young man who believes that art, style, and a good mystery belong in everyday life.
Garzon Delvaux’s journey from an innocent museum visit to a viral sensation showcases the unpredictable nature of the internet and the stories it can create. With a playful acknowledgment of his status, he mused, “I’m a star.” For now, he will continue to dress in his unique style, enjoying the experience of being at the center of a global curiosity.
