While reading the latest issue of Esquire, I noticed an advertorial page purporting to salute “the finest men’s speciality stores in the country.” Included in a list of what the magazine considers “The Gold Standard,” along with stores we’ve all heard of such as Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman, is a clothing store in Cleveland that goes by the name of … Kilgore Trout?

A high-class men’s clothing store named after Kurt Vonnegut’s most famous character, a crazed science-fiction fiction writer? I found it hard to believe. And yet, it’s true.

The store’s site states:

Whether the call is for a made-to-measure tuxedo or for a suitcase full of resort pieces, Kilgore Trout tailors its inventory and service around you. Founded in 1977, and named in honor of writer Kurt Vonnegut’s favorite character, Kilgore Trout has evolved into a premier menswear and womenswear resource with relationship retailing at the core. Our 10,000 square foot store is filled with essential clothing for him and her, accessories and luxury homegoods.

Which doesn’t explain why a clothing store would be named in honor of Kilgore Trout. I would have expected a store by that name to be selling propeller beanies and t-shirts, rather than “the finest mens and womens apparel available.”

Any theories?