We’re through the looking glass, people. Thanks largely to the pioneering work of Internets Celebrity and Outfit Architecture evil genius Dallas Penn, who shared an already leaked Ralph Lauren employee discount code with his fellow ‘Lo End Theory connoisseurs, Rap Twitter went HAM over the opportunity to cop Polo for 65% off last weekend, thus creating Pologate. Obviously the fact that thousands of different orders were placed under one employee code raised the alarm at Ralph Lauren, but since a number of orders with the overnight shipping order had already been processed, and due to the rapidly growing public exposure of the incident, the company had no choice but to spin the incident and declare that the majority of orders would be honoured, “with special scrutiny on those totalling more than $800.”

Nevertheless, a number of potential participants in this flourishment spent the rest of the week anxiously refreshing their inbox in the hopes of a shipping confirmation, until an official email was sent out today. It seems that, based on a number of undisclosed factors, everyone who used the code either received a message informing them that, while the code should not have been used, “Ralph Lauren Corporation have decided to honor the discount in this instance,” while the less fortunate copped “Based on the nature of your purchase, we have cancelled your order.” As it turns out, this doesn’t appear to be related to the actual dollar value of the order, since a number of people who had their orders approved went well over the $800 mark. While I mused that it might be determined that customers with shipping addresses based in Yonkers or New Jersey were targeted as those denied, there may be a more logical explanation.

Polo V.I.P. customer Just Blaze suggested to me that “I think it was a combination of dollar amount, profit / loss ratio. And the purchase history of the individual.” Which explains why they honoured the discount for his order of this crystal skull (RRP $7,500) and a bunch of leather jackets normally worth 5K. I guess it helped that he has a history of copping Ralph Lauren homewares such as serviette holders and dinner sets, although there’s no word on whether he went in on this chandelier. As for those mere civilians who only ordered $300 worth of Polo Rugbys and got shut down, who’s to know? It seems odd that a retailer would refuse anyone’s money in this economy, especially if you consider that even at 65% off they would still have been making a profit on this stuff. Let’s face it, based on the volume of clothing these guys produce, a shirt is probably only around $5 to manufacture anyway.

Let’s not forget the psychology that these type of sales play upon, deliberate or not. The chance for a perceived “bargain” will have shoppers lining up for hours for the chance to be first in the door at post-Christmas stocktake sales and Black Friday type of promotions, and even the old “Buy two, get one free” trick works a treat when you’re at the supermarket. Did you really need that many boxes of cereal? So for Ralph to be turning away those “undesirables” who may or may not have spent their cable money (or rent) on shirts, jackets, sweaters and bags seems a little short-sighted. Surely clearing out so much old stock is a dream situation for any retailer, even if they made a little less profit?

For those who have already received their goods, or at least the confirmation email, Dallas Penn has become a modern day Robin Hood, with calls for him to be declared TIME magazine’s Man of the Year in some quarters – although I feel that a knighthood from Her Royal Majesty would be more appropriate – with some over-excited shoppers even comparing the situation to reparations. While I did consider getting involved in the action, the hassle of setting up a fake US shipping address was too much for me, and I also felt compelled to stay loyal to Oceania’s answer to Ralph, the mighty hunting hound that is Rodd & Gunn. At least until they recognise the realness and agree to sponsor me for me next trip abroad to spread their brand amongst my fellow Conservative Rap Coalition members across the globe. Until that time, do what you’ve gotta do and ‘Stay Flourishing’, discount code or not.