Identity of the "Fedora Man" Revealed
Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, a 15-year-old from Rambouillet, France, has been identified as the individual in the viral "Fedora Man" photograph taken outside the Louvre Museum. The image, captured by Associated Press photographer Thibault Camus, shows Garzon Delvaux walking past a police cordon on the day of a crown jewels heist at the museum.
Context of the Photograph and Online Reaction
The photograph, published in relation to the Louvre heist, accumulated millions of views online. Internet users initiated discussions and developed theories regarding the identity of the individual, who was frequently referred to as "Fedora Man." Speculation included roles such as a detective, an insider involved in the heist, or an AI-generated image.
Garzon Delvaux stated that he chose not to immediately disclose his identity, observing the public's online discussions. He noted that his attire, which he described as resembling 1940s fashion, created a contrast with the contemporary setting, contributing to the public's perception.
The Actual Circumstances
Garzon Delvaux, accompanied by his mother and grandfather, was visiting the Louvre when the photograph was taken. They were unaware of the ongoing heist at the time and approached police officers to inquire why the museum gates were closed. The photograph captured him mid-stride during this interaction.
He became aware of the photograph's widespread circulation four days after it was taken, when an acquaintance contacted him. Subsequently, his mother informed him of his appearance in The New York Times. Relatives and friends confirmed his identity after recognizing his mother in the background of the image.
Personal Style and Influence
Garzon Delvaux adopted his distinctive fashion style, inspired by 20th-century history, black-and-white images of statesmen, and fictional detectives, less than a year prior to the photograph. He wears variations of a three-piece suit to school, reserving his fedora for weekends, holidays, and museum visits.
He stated that his style has begun to influence peers, with one friend adopting a tie. Garzon Delvaux also remarked on the public's tendency to associate an unusual crime with a distinct-looking detective, aligning with his preference for characters like Hercule Poirot. His mother, Félicité Garzon Delvaux, has a background connected to art and museums, having grown up in an 18th-century museum-palace.
Aftermath and Future Outlook
After several days of public speculation, Garzon Delvaux transitioned his Instagram profile from private to public. He expressed interest in potential future opportunities, such as roles in films, and confirmed his intention to continue dressing in his preferred style.