In 2017 the luxury industry will be faced with a precarious balancing act on multiple fronts. Brands will be forced to find an equilibrium between an exponential growth in technology and their traditional emphasis on the human hand; between understanding their customers' behavior and surveilling it; between their global presence and their local consumer groups; and between the poles of a customer spectrum that stretches not just around the world, but over decades, from Generation Z to the silver dollar.

British budget fashion chain Primark recently said it was constantly on the watch for any slavery in its supply chain while dismissing the idea that low cost meant exploitation.

Adidas has unveiled a new shoe featuring biodegradable fabric that's designed to break down within hours of its disposal using a water and enzyme solution. The one catch: the current design appears to be attached to a foam sole - suggesting that a large portion of the shoe would still end up in a landfill.

Declining cotton production last season has led to prices rising year-on-year, according to Mintec's latest textile index. Yet, U.S. production in the current season is likely to rise by 25 percent and reduce pressure on prices.