Final answer:
The fabric in question is silk, produced from the cocoons of silkworms and known for its shimmer and high quality, particularly in the historical context of the Silk Road in China.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fabric that is a soft, semi-sheer, plain weave and originally made from 100% silk for dress linings and scarves is known as silk. Silk is an ancient and luxurious fiber obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm. These silkworms are fed a diet of mulberry leaves and then spin a cocoon, which is later boiled and unwound into silk threads.
This process has been refined over centuries, particularly in China, where silk weaving has become an economic staple and a significant aspect of trade along the Silk Road.
Silk's unique qualities, such as its ability to catch and reflect light due to its prism-like structure, give silk fabrics their characteristic shimmer and make them especially desired for high-quality garments and textiles.