A young boy sporting a fedora has unexpectedly become a figure of intrigue following a recent heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, a 15-year-old resident of Rambouillet, was photographed standing near the scene while thieves made off with £76 million worth of French crown jewels in broad daylight.
The striking image, taken by photographer Thibault Camus, shows Pedro amidst police officers, seemingly oblivious to the ongoing crime. Instead of fleeing the spotlight, Pedro has embraced his newfound fame, leaning into the mystery surrounding his appearance at the iconic museum.
A Fashionable Encounter with Crime
Dressed in a vintage-inspired outfit reminiscent of the 1940s, Pedro wore a fedora, a borrowed Yves Saint Laurent waistcoat, and a restored Russian watch on the day of the heist. His attire caught the attention of many, leading to wild speculation online. Some even suggested he was a detective involved in solving what has been deemed France’s “most humiliating heist.”
In his only in-person interview since the incident, Pedro explained, “I didn’t want to say immediately it was me. With this photo, there is a mystery, so you have to make it last.” His distinctive style, which he adopted less than a year ago, is influenced by his passion for 20th-century history and fictional detectives.
Pedro and his family had visited the Louvre that day, unaware of the robbery unfolding just moments before their arrival. They approached the officers outside to inquire about the closed gates, leading to the now-famous photograph. “I was a bit surprised,” he recalled, when a friend informed him that the photo had gone viral, accumulating millions of views in just a few days.
From Local Boy to Internet Sensation
The unexpected turn of events turned Pedro into a local celebrity. He received numerous messages from friends and family, many of whom were quick to share screenshots of his appearance in The New York Times. “People said ‘You’ve become a star,’ and I was astonished that with just one photo you can become viral in a few days,” he remarked.
Pedro’s choice of clothing is not merely a whimsical fashion statement; it reflects his desire to stand out and express his individuality. “I like to be chic,” he said, noting that he wears his fedora primarily on weekends, holidays, and during museum visits. His fashion sense has become a part of his identity, further contributing to his sudden fame.
The contrast between Pedro’s vintage style and the modern-day crime adds an intriguing layer to the story. As the Louvre continues to investigate the brazen theft, Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux remains an unlikely symbol of curiosity and charm amidst a significant art crime.
