Teen Behind Viral ‘Fedora Man’ Photo Embraces His New Fame

A 15-year-old boy from France, Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, became an unexpected symbol of intrigue following an Associated Press photo taken during a dramatic heist at the Louvre in January 2025. The image, which captured Pedro in a stylish three-piece suit and fedora, went viral, sparking a whirlwind of speculation regarding his identity and role in the theft of French crown jewels.

Pedro, who resides in Rambouillet, approximately 30 kilometers from Paris, chose to remain silent about his newfound fame rather than rush to reveal himself. A fan of classic detective stories, he found the mystery surrounding the photo to be an exciting narrative. “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 photograph itself was captured by AP photographer Thibault Camus as police secured the scene outside the museum. In the image, three officers lean against a car while Pedro walks past, dressed sharply in an outfit reminiscent of 1940s fashion. This striking visual led internet users to label him “Fedora Man,” attributing various fictional detective roles to him, from an insider to an artificial intelligence creation.

Pedro’s attire was not merely a costume for the occasion; he has adopted this style over the past year, inspired by 20th-century history and cinematic figures. He said, “I like to be chic. I go to school like this.” While many of his peers opt for casual attire, Pedro makes a statement in his tailored clothing, which has begun to influence his friends as well.

The day of the heist, Pedro, along with his mother and grandfather, had intended to visit the Louvre but found it unexpectedly closed due to the incident. “We didn’t know there was a heist,” he recalled. After asking officers about the closure, he unknowingly entered the frame of a moment that would captivate millions.

The rapid spread of the photo took Pedro by surprise. Four days after the image was published, a friend messaged him, questioning if he was the person in the shot. “She told me there were 5 million views,” he said, visibly astonished. Soon, his mother informed him that he had even appeared in the New York Times. “It’s not every day,” he added, reflecting on how quickly life can change.

His mother, Félicité Garzon Delvaux, a curator and artist herself, instilled a love for art and culture in him from an early age. “Art and museums are living spaces,” she said, emphasizing the significance of creativity in their lives. For Pedro, this blend of art and mystery became a powerful combination, allowing him to appreciate the impact of a single photograph.

As speculation mounted online, Pedro decided to switch his Instagram account from private to public, inviting followers to discover his identity. “People had to try to find who I am,” he explained. Journalists soon reached out, and many were surprised to learn he was just a teenager, not an enigmatic detective.

With the attention he has garnered, Pedro remains relaxed about his future. He expressed a playful hope that filmmakers might reach out to him for potential roles, grinning as he remarked, “That would be very funny.”

In a narrative dominated by theft and security breaches, Pedro’s story offers a lighter perspective. He embodies a refreshing reminder that artistry, style, and a touch of mystery can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances. As he continues to embrace his identity as “Fedora Man,” he shares a simple truth: “I’ll keep dressing like this. It’s my style.”