On March 5, 2025, a photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Thibault Camus at the Louvre captured a striking image that would propel a 15-year-old boy into the international spotlight. The photo features Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, a teenager in a fedora and sharp suit, walking past police officers shortly after a dramatic heist of French crown jewels. While the world quickly dubbed him “Fedora Man,” Pedro chose to maintain an air of mystery surrounding his identity.
Living in Rambouillet, about 30 kilometers from Paris, Pedro found himself at the center of a viral sensation without prior knowledge of the unfolding crime. He and his family had visited the museum that day, unaware that it was closed due to the theft. When police officers blocked the entrance, a curious Pedro wandered into the frame just as the photo was taken. “When the picture was taken, I didn’t know,” Pedro recalled. “I was just passing through.”
The image of this sharply dressed figure amidst a crime scene sparked a flurry of speculation online. Some viewers imagined him as a detective or an insider, while others questioned whether he was a product of artificial intelligence. “In the photo, I’m dressed more in the 1940s, and we are in 2025,” Pedro explained, noting the contrast that contributed to the intrigue. Even those close to him were initially skeptical until they spotted his mother in the background, confirming his identity.
From Mystery to Celebrity
The photograph quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views and capturing the attention of media outlets, including The New York Times. Pedro was surprised to learn of his newfound fame just four days after the photo was taken, when a friend reached out to him. “She told me there were 5 million views. I was a bit surprised,” he said. His family and friends, spanning from Colombia to Austria, flooded him with messages, calling him a star. “I was astonished that just with one photo you can become viral in a few days,” he remarked.
Pedro’s distinctive style, which includes a three-piece suit and a fedora—an homage to French Resistance hero Jean Moulin—is no accident. He has dressed this way for less than a year, inspired by 20th-century history and the aesthetics of classic detective stories. In a school environment filled with hoodies and sneakers, he stands out, often prompting others to adopt a similar flair. “One of my friends came this week with a tie,” he said proudly.
Pedro understands why people project a detective narrative onto him, given the unusual circumstances of the heist. “When something unusual happens, you don’t imagine a normal detective. You imagine someone different,” he noted, aligning with his fondness for literary characters like Hercule Poirot, whom he admires for his elegance.
Art and Identity
Raised by his mother, Félicité Garzon Delvaux, an artist and curator, Pedro has long been surrounded by art and culture. “Art and museums are living spaces,” she stated, emphasizing their importance in daily life. For Pedro, the experience of being thrust into a narrative of intrigue and fame has allowed him to appreciate the power of imagery. After several days of silence, he transitioned his Instagram account to public, inviting curious followers to discover his identity.
Now, as he reflects on his unexpected status, Pedro exhibits a relaxed demeanor about future opportunities, joking, “I’m waiting for people to contact me for films. That would be very funny.” The essence of his story is not just about a theft or a viral image; rather, it highlights a teenager’s belief that art, style, and a good mystery can deeply enrich ordinary life.
With his recent journey from anonymity to fame, “Fedora Man” has become a symbol of curiosity and charm amidst the backdrop of a high-profile crime. Meeting him in person reveals he is not just a fleeting internet sensation, but a genuine young man with a unique sense of identity and style. “I’m a star,” he declares, playfully trying on the title as one might don a favorite hat. “I’ll keep dressing like this. It’s my style.”
